Day 8 – LOVE BROTHER AND SISTER
A “40-DAY” STUDY OF I, II, III JOHN
By Pastor Jenny McCord
“I John 2:7-14: 7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”
John talks about an old and new command. In the Old Testament, the first four of the Ten Commandments relate to our relationship with God, which is loving Him. The last six relate to our relationship with others, which is loving them. Jesus says to love God with all your heart, mind, and soul. Then He says to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. And when we live in the light, we will not stumble.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the timeless message of Your Word, a command that is both old and new—the call to love one another just as Christ has loved us. Thank You that through Jesus, the true light is already shining, shattering the darkness of selfish and broken ways. Lord, I desire to walk in that light. I ask for the grace to love my brothers and sisters sincerely, that Your love may be perfected in me. Forgive me for the times I have allowed apathy, selfishness, or unkindness to take root in my heart, keeping me in the darkness. I repent of walking in that darkness and choosing comfort over compassion. Help me to abide in the light by actively loving my neighbor and fellow believers, ensuring that there is nothing in me that causes others to stumble. May my life, my words, and my actions reflect Your love, drawing others out of the darkness and into Your glorious truth. I pray this in the name of Jesus, who is the Light of the World. Amen.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You. Pr Jenny
