Bible Reading: Ezekiel 45, 46, 1 John 2.
“He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” – 1 John 2:9 (KJV)
Whenever there is light, darkness disappears. Several years ago, In the local environment where I grew up in the western part of Nigeria, getting electricity was such a great thing such that anytime the power authority restored power to our houses, we would shout for joy. Why? you would be able to see things clearly at night. Light to us brought joy.
Generally evil things are associated with darkness as those involved often try to cover their identity and possibly tracks. Hence the bible says in John 3:20 (KJVS), “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” And so most people try to associate with light or portray themselves as light even when they know within themselves they belong to darkness. That’s why you see a lot of people claim to be born again Christians when in fact they are still of the world. The evidence of light in any man is the fruit of the spirit. It is not by what you say but by your actions. And the fruit of the Spirit is in nine fold of love, joy, peace, Longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Gal 5:22). If any man bears any fruit contrary to this, he is not in light. So if you hate your brother for whatever reason, you are not like Christ. 1 John 2:9 (KJVS) says, “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.”
Those called to the kingdom of the most high are expected to be Longsuffering even in their love. Jesus Christ, our Lord was kind to the Unthankful and even to the evil. Hence He enjoined his disciples to do same. Hear him in Luke 6:35 (KJVS), “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”
So brethren, has anyone offended you so much and you feel so much pain and find it difficult not to hate him? Please remember that no one is worthy of loosing your salvation for. As your hatred of someone irrespective of what he/she had done is a clog in your wheel of salvation and will hold you back except you forgive and love instead. Just continue to pray for that individual until the burden is light in your heart and you will then come back into the light of God!
Action Point:
Search your heart and identify anyone you hate or have not forgiven his/her offences against you and cultivate the habit of praying for him/her. You can also intentionally go out of your way to show them love.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero
