Love Is Light
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Key Verse: “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” Selected Scripture: |
THE FATHERLY COUNSEL given by the Apostle John in his first epistle reflects his loving concern that believers experience fullness of joy in Christ Jesus as they grow in knowledge and grace.—I John 1:4
To this end, he exhorts Christians to refrain from sinful indulgence. While acknowledging that through inherited weaknesses, or temptations, unintentional sins are committed, there is provision for recovery from this condition based upon the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who yielded his life in death—not only for the church, but for all mankind. (chap. 2:1,2) An evidence that believers have a special relationship with the Master, and knowledge of his ways, is the fact that they abide in him, by loving righteousness and obeying the word of God.—vss. 3-6
The importance of brotherly love as a scriptural commandment, or teaching, is emphasized as one of the marks of true discipleship. It is taught in scripture as a requirement for entry into the body of Christ, and appreciated throughout the Christian walk in an increasing degree, as the full import of Christ’s sacrificial death becomes more apparent to his followers.—vss. 7-9
Our Key Verse reflects a profound truth that connects the relationship between brotherly love and abiding in the light. A genuine love for one’s brother will prompt a believer to do whatever he can to enhance the spiritual welfare of a fellow Christian; and beyond that, to do good to all as he has opportunity. (Gal. 6:10) “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Those whose actions are governed by Jesus’ words will dwell in the light and not cause others to stumble. Anyone who hates his brother truly is in darkness.—I John 2:11
The Apostle John provides spiritual counsel to new, well-established, and very mature Christians whom he designates as “little children,” “young men,” and “fathers.” (vs. 13) Regardless of their degree of advancement along spiritual lines, the exhortation is the same. His message to all of them is that they have had their sins forgiven, and they should not practice worldliness if they hope to retain God’s love and favor.—vss. 12-15
Believers should refrain from sinful practices and unrighteousness because yielding to such influences would not give evidence of walking in the light, but would manifest the condition of Satan’s subjects who are in comparative darkness.—II Cor. 4:4
“All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (I John 2:16) The cultivation of human passions, desires, and self-gratification is at best very transitory in nature. How thankful we are that a time will come when mankind will be judged in righteousness, the present evils in society will be eradicated, and all who obey God’s laws will live forever. “He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” “He that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”—Acts 17:31; I John 2:17