Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - BLIND HATE or DIVINE LOVE

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - Day 338 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: 

Daniel 1,2; 1 John 2)

BLIND HATE or DIVINE LOVE 

“Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (1 John 2:10-11 ESV)

Activity contrary to John’s clear intent in these verses is rampant in this hate-filled world of ours. We see this in our homes. We see this on the job. We see this in our families. Unfortunately, we see hatred being fueled by many who should know much better.

If you were to ask people if they would rather abide in the light instead of stumbling around in the darkness, a good number would choose the light. However the One who does the choosing is not us, it is Jesus. And since He has chosen to make us His own by showering us with His soul-cleansing love, how can we not share His love with others? Yet too many choose to live their lives in the blindness of hate.

So, what is the answer to blind hate? The answer is the love of Christ Jesus, the Lord of all!

     Love divine, all loves excelling,\

     Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!

     Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,

     All Thy faithful mercies crown.

     Jesus, Thou art all compassion,

     Pure, unbounded love Thou art;

     Visit us with Thy salvation;

     Enter ev'ry trembling heart!

     (Lutheran Service Book #700)

Heavenly Father, thank You for delivering us from blind hate by means of the hate-conquering love of Jesus. As He has showered His love upon me, may I learn to love others - in His name. Please grant Your peace in all places on this earth where hatred is destroying relationships among people. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape