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An International Missionary Outreach Dedicated to Evangelizing the Lost By Sharing The Gospel According to the Scriptures
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God's Word For Today |
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1 John 2:9-11 "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."
Twice in these two verses John repeats the same idea. The thought is of ultimate importance. No person should hate anyone. The Bible states we are to love God number one and to love others as ourselves. This is the formula to use in life. It is hypocritical to say that one knows the truth and then hates a brother. Of course, this does not mean that we need to agree with someone who is a brother if that brother is wrong. For example, the Bible places doctrine and truth above just getting along. A believer is justified in contending for the faith in love. Many today have no idea what contending for the faith means and are open to every wind of doctrine.
Application: Many relationships have been severed in the Christian family over doctrinal differences. While doctrine is important no one should end up hating a brother for these differences. The Bible shows clear examples of brothers with differing ideas going different directions. Jesus Christ and the word of God is the final judge and not someone’s opinion. We can agree to have differences and move on. People are people and are easily influenced by their own ways.
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Understand The Times is an independent non-profit organization in
Canada and the United States.
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