I John 2: 9-10 “The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.”

DANGER IN THE DARK

Picking a best verse or verses in 1 John is very difficult for me. I love 1 John. It is probably my favorite book of the Bible. I selected these two verses because I am so tired of seeing “believers” claim to love God and harbor hate for others, especially their fellow believers. What does John say here? He says you are “in the darkness” if you hate your brother.

Okay, you may ask, “What’s so wrong with being in darkness?” Well, if you are in the darkness you are more likely to stumble, fall and get hurt. True? I know that is true for me. When I am out hunting and have to either go in the woods at dark or walk out in the dark I depend on a good flashlight. First of all, I don’t want to trip and fall. Secondly, I want to know what’s out there in the dark.

TEACHING MOMENT

It’s not hard to teach our kids about the dangers in the dark. Most children don’t like to be left alone in the dark. How many of your children still sleep with a night light? What a perfect way to teach them this truth. Just as darkness scares them, the darkness of hate should also. The next time your child comes home from school or play and says, “I really hate (you fill in the blank), take the time to read this passage to them. Oh, by the way, this goes for siblings, too. Lol

Hate invites darkness in which all kinds of dangers lurk. Won’t you let the light of the love of Christ richly dwell within you today? Are you harboring hate towards someone? Ask forgiveness for that from the Savior and then go to that person and ask their forgiveness. God will bless you and honor you for that.