READING: Ezekiel 38:1-40:27, 1 John 1:1-2:11
As I think about all the believers through the years who have loved me, I’m humbled. I know I’m not always lovable. I’m sometimes impatient and impulsive. Were it not for God’s protecting grace, I could easily grow angry at times. I haven’t always led well. I’ve made mistakes in the past, and I regularly do in the present. Nevertheless, the people of God have extended forgiving, gracious, patient, undying, merciful love to me – and in so doing, they’ve shown that they’re the children of God.
In today’s reading, John clearly described the relationship between our love for others and our professed love for God: “The one who says he is in the light but hates his brother or sister is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother or sister is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he’s going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:9-11). It is simply impossible to be a child of God while we live in hatred toward our brothers and sisters. On the other hand, our genuine love of others is one evidence of our relationship with God, who is Himself love (1 John 4:8).
This text reminds me that any lack of love for my brothers and sisters is an indication that I need to examine my heart. To love others is to walk in the light of Christ—and that love shines brightly in a dark world.
PRAYER: “Transform my heart daily, Lord, to love the brothers and sisters even more.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 40:28-42:20, 1 John 2:12-27
