“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” 1 John 3:15 (NIV)
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” 1 John 4:20 (NIV)
Two strong scriptures from 1 John to remember.
We are called (actually, commanded) to love always. We live at a time when people with different opinions find it almost impossible to have a discussion without the words becoming hate-filled and personal rather than staying focused on the issue in question. Offence is so easily taken.
And how does a Christian still love when a family member has been violated physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually?
In the moment we face any crisis involving the breakdown of relationship with our brothers and/or sisters, God calls us to love. We can only do this if we choose to be close to Jesus and hear His healing voice. Then our souls will be filled with fresh goodness. Jesus only knows how to love. He was still pleading with His Father from the cross – asking for forgiveness for those responsible for His undeserved crucifixion. Isn’t this the ultimate example of love?
Perhaps the issue that prevents us from loving one another is due to a more trivial offence. Being ignored by someone; being taken advantage of; being used; or disrespected.
If 1 John tells us we must love, then how do we do it? This scripture from Romans will help us: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)
Let’s pray: Lord, please help me when something happens that causes me to stray from Your command to love. I love You. I need Your wisdom. I repent of any evil or wicked thoughts inside me or words that come from my lips. I will show respect to others above myself. Thank you, Jesus. Amen