RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-05-21	He Who Hates His Brother Is In Darkness (1Jn.2:11)
		1Jn 2:9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 1Jn 2:10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 1Jn 2:11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. Those who trust in God are described as walking in the light (1Jn.1:7). 1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Walking in the light means living in obedience to Him and not living in sin. The unbeliever in contrast, lives in darkness, and is blinded by his sin. Those who walk in the light are marked by love. This love is shown in obedience to God (Jn.15:10; 1Jn.2:3) and in loving others (1Jn.4:7-8). So, love for others is a sign of God’s presence in the life of a believer (Jn.13:34-35; 1Jn.4:7-12). Since God is love, anyone who does not love others shows that God is not in him. Loving others is not a suggestion for believers; it is a command (Mk.12:30-31). Mar 12:30 AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' This is the first commandment. Mar 12:31 And the second, like it, is this: 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Love for others manifests our love for God who is light. So, he who hates his brother walks in darkness, showing that God’s love is not in him. Our love for others is another way the world can see God. God shows His love for us in that He sent His Son into the world so we might live through Him (1Jn.4:9). Those who trust God live in love because this truth has changed their lives and destinies. Yet it is possible for people to CLAIM they love God without truly knowing Him. Therefore, John warns his readers that he who hates his brother actually walks in darkness. Loving others distinguishes those walking in light from those walking in darkness. Paul gives us some practical way to show love (Ph.2:3-4). Php 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Php 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. God’s love for us changes our lives and affects the way we see others who are also made in His image. We have God's Spirit living in us to help us to truly love others (Ro.5:5). Rom 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Loving others can be difficult; even those who genuinely love God and walk in His light still struggle against sinful tendencies (1Jn.1:8-10). But God is faithful to give us His heart for others if we seek Him. As we continue to walk in His light, we will continue to live out His love. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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