The Light of Love | Pt. 2, Benefits of Loving Others
1 John 2:7 (NKJV) Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 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.When we think about light vs. darkness, we usually associate it with spiritual warfare with an emphasis on darkness. John, who is often called the "Apostle of Love," presents another perspective: Our walk of love impacts our relationship to spiritual light and darkness.
Because of the "new and improved" love commandment that Jesus brought, "The darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining." In a world of darkness, we have the opportunity to always walk in the light of God. We also have the opportunity to walk in darkness by permitting hatred of others. As John wrote in verse nine, "He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now."
For people who claim never be guilty of hating others, I like to point out the the definition of "hate" is "strong dislike." Is there anyone whom you strongly dislike? Hatred permits a darkness that hinders one's progress and produces some level of "blindness."
However, the focus of this text is found in verse 10, "He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him."
Loving our brother (or fellow man), creates a condition in which God's light brings clarity and freedom of action/movement. This truth should become a great source of motivation to live and walk in the light of love!
