Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. (1 John 2:10)
One of the more disturbing realities that social media has brought to light in the last few years is the amount of disrespect, jealousy, anger, bitterness, and hatred that Christians are capable of demonstrating toward one another. I say “brought to light,” because social media didn’t create the situation, but revealed and made public what has often been the case in private.
According to John, such negative words and feelings toward fellow Christians are representative of the sin that is still within us, much more than they demonstrate any aspect of righteousness or holiness. John’s words are clear: hatred belongs to the darkness; those who live in the light of Christ show love toward brothers and sisters in Christ.
But what does this look like when we are convinced that others are in error or sin? Aren’t we called to rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness? Well, yes, but prior to and far above all those things, we are called to love. Love gives others the benefit of the doubt. It recognizes that others have different experiences than we do and may not have had the blessings and privileges that we have had. Love recognizes that we can be wrong sometimes too. Love gives preference to the other person. After all, that’s what makes us like Christ—when everything we say and do is based on genuine love for others.
—Kevin R. Scott
Be aware of the ways your words and actions show love.
