I
John 2:9-11 NKJV
“He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until
now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for
stumbling in him. 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.”
Getting saved is one thing, but living a saved life is
another business entirely. There are many unbelievers who live life as though
they are saved while on the other hand, many believers live like they never
spelt the name Jesus before.
You see, some unbelievers are kind hearted and
loving by nature, either as a result of background or just a personal decision.
Whereas, I have seen many believers who speak in tongues, preach, quote
scriptures, yet are so evil in their doings and in their relationship with
people.
Our text makes it so clear that hating your brother is
to abide in darkness regardless of your salvation status. To be saved and still
hate your brother is to have invited darkness into your life. Darkness is
symbolic of satan, sin, evil, wickedness and even hell. Hellfire is one
darkness you don't want to be a part of, that is why the Bible says you do not
know where you are going when you live in hatred. Your destination is not a good
one at all.
When you refuse to forgive your brother or sister, you
are practicing hatred. When you live in malice and refuse to talk to someone
you once had a quarrel with, that is a hateful attitude. When you wouldn't
greet nor respond to a greeting; you are a tension creator; you live in
darkness and are blinded by hatred - and that is outright wickedness.
Loving,
forgiving, accepting your brother/sister and giving them more chances to start
afresh with you, etc. are the dispositions you take to show you are dwelling in
light. And when you are in light, there will be no cause for stumbling in your
life.
Receive grace to love and be loving in Jesus Name.
Assignment/Prayer
i. Check your life and see how many hateful attitudes still reside in you, and
ask God for mercy and grace to deal with them.
ii. Ask God to heal you of all forms of hatred, unforgiveness and wickedness.
Nugget
When you refuse to forgive a brother or sister, you are practicing hatred, and
hating your brother is to abide in darkness regardless of your salvation
status.
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