1 John 2:10-11: The Light and the Darkness
In the book of 1 John, the apostle John emphasizes the importance of walking in the light of God's love. In 1 John 2:10-11, he contrasts the believer's walk in the light with the darkness of the world.
Walking in the Light
"He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him." (1 John 2:10, NKJV)
Here, John emphasizes the importance of loving one another. When we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are walking in the light of God's love. This love is not limited to emotions or feelings, but it is a deliberate choice to put others before ourselves. When we love like this, we are free from stumbling, meaning that we are not hindered by sin or darkness.
The Darkness of the World
"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." (1 John 2:11, NKJV)
On the other hand, John describes those who hate their brothers as walking in darkness. This hate is not just a feeling of dislike, but a deliberate choice to reject or harm others. When we choose to hate, we are walking in darkness, and we are blinded to the truth of God's love. In this darkness, we become lost and uncertain about our path in life.
Conclusion
In 1 John 2:10-11, we are reminded that our relationships with others are a reflection of our relationship with God. When we choose to love, we are walking in the light of God's love. But when we choose to hate, we are walking in darkness and rejecting the love of God. May we strive to walk in the light of God's love, loving one another as He has loved us.
