Day 337- Daniel 1-2 & 1 John 2
“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 even 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?
It is the love of Christ that is at the heart of President Harrison’s statement made three years ago:
“The good news is that violence and distrust and animosity are not the last word. Christ, the Word made flesh who dwelt among us, full of grace and truth and life and salvation; Christ, whose death atoned for the sins of all humanity and whose resurrection trampled sin and Satan; Christ, the Prince of Peace—Christ gets the last Word. His is a Word of peace, despite sin’s turmoil (1 Thess. 5:23).” - LCMS President Matthew Harrison
So, what is the answer to blind hate? The answer is the love of Christ Jesus, the Lord of all!
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 to all places on this earth where hatred is destroying relationships among people. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
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