1 John 2:10-11
“Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 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.”
I have been meditating on this passage for several days, and I have re-read last Friday’s devotional multiple times. I have been praying and asking the Lord for wisdom and insight about the relationship between light and love in my life, in the life of the Christian fellowship, and in American society.
What has captured my attention about this passage is that our relationship to the light determines our relationship to love, which in turn determines our relationship to others. The “light” refers to God’s truth, so the core message is that embracing the Lord’s timeless truth is a prerequisite for walking in love and having a positive impact on people at home, at work, in the church, and in the community.
People who abide in the light—that is, people who live in alignment with truth—are able to see the situations of life with great clarity. As a result, they don’t stumble, trip, or lose their footing. They trust in Jesus and use truth to guide and direct the way they conduct themselves.
When you are directed and guided by the light of truth, you are self-aware and situationally aware. You see situations and yourself clearly. As a result, you don’t react, you respond. You don’t get caught in the trap of impulsive or impetuous emotions.
Further, because you are instructed and empowered by the Spirit of truth, you understand that love isn’t a feeling, it is a discipline-driven choice. You act with love toward people even when you don’t feel like it.
But when people do not believe in Jesus and reject God’s word as a source of guidance and direction, they are in darkness and are blinded. They lack situational awareness. They lack self-awareness. Because they walk in darkness, John says, they don’t know where they are going. They don’t see clearly, and they stumble, lose their footing, and trip.
John tells us that light produces love, and darkness produces hate. This is precisely what we are seeing unfold in American society today. Many in positions of influence and authority in our society have rejected the truth of God and therefore are in darkness. As a result, they express their distaste and antagonism for people who do not agree with their ideology.
Thus the cancel culture of name-calling, book banning, de-platforming, and violent protests.
Where there is no light, there will be no love. That means there will be no unity. Please meditate on that truth. Think deeply about it. Pray on it. No light, no love. Also, be discerning and don’t be fooled by the use of the word “love.” Darkness produces a counterfeit version of love. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2.15)
Where the light of God’s truth shines, authentic love will motivate the wise dialogue and disciplined action necessary to heal the conflicts that plague our nation. This will not happen apart from the followers of Jesus walking in faith and becoming agents of light and love in their places of influence in our nation.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5.14-16)
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians 6.9-10)
