1 John 3:13-15: The Hatred of the World and the Love of God
In 1 John 3:13-15, the apostle John writes about the hatred of the world and the love of God. This passage is a continuation of John's message about the importance of loving one another and the characteristics of a true believer.
The Hatred of the World (v. 13)
Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. (v. 13)
In this verse, John reminds his readers that it is not surprising when the world hates them. As believers, we are not of this world, and our values, beliefs, and lifestyles are often in conflict with the values of the world. Jesus warned his disciples that they would be hated by the world because they were not of the world (John 17:14). As followers of Christ, we should expect to face persecution and opposition from the world.
The Love of God (v. 14)
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. (v. 14)
In contrast to the hatred of the world, John highlights the love of God that dwells in believers. The evidence of our spiritual rebirth is our love for one another. If we do not love, we remain in spiritual death. The love of God is a fundamental characteristic of a true believer, and it is the mark of a spiritual rebirth.
Living in the Love of God (v. 15)
All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. (v. 15)
In this final verse, John emphasizes that hatred towards a brother or sister is equivalent to murder. This is a strong statement, but it highlights the seriousness of hatred towards others. As believers, we are called to love one another, just as God has loved us. If we harbor hatred towards others, we do not have eternal life abiding in us.
Conclusion
In 1 John 3:13-15, we are reminded that as believers, we will face hatred from the world, but we are called to love one another. The love of God is a fundamental characteristic of a true believer, and it is the mark of a spiritual rebirth. As we live in the love of God, we are called to love one another, and to reject hatred and violence towards others.
