Disciples Practice Healthy Relationships by Refusing to Embrace Hatefulness

1 John 2:9-11

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 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.

Hater-ade: It’s not an actual drink, but what people are described as being drunk on when they act with or persist in hateful or negative attitudes. It’s a dark place to be – and one God Himself warns us about.

Yes, God commands us not to hate (and He commands us positively to love). Moreover, as you likely know, it’s also unhealthy to hate. Its unhealthy for you personally and for those you interact with while under the blight of hatred. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He expands the meaning of “You shall not murder” and its requisite judgment to include anger and coming judgment as well (Matthew 5:21-22). Anger, envy, and bitterness often lead to hatred and contempt. They are all areas of darkness that need the light of Christ revealing and then healing such unhealthy places.

Prayer for the Week

Jesus Christ, I claim to be in the light as You are in the light. I want no darkness to exist in me. I claim You as Lord and Savior – and I pray that my life reflects Your light and that my actions bring light rather than darkness. May hatred have no place in my life! To God be the glory. Amen.

Micro-Meditation

Psalm 119:137-144

You are righteous, Lord,
and your laws are right.
The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.
My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.
Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight.
Your statutes are always righteous;
give me understanding that I may live.

Read the versus of the Psalm.

Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.

Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.

Pondering Point

The traditional sense of the letter Tsadhe revolves around justice and righteousness. God is; so are His ways (described in this section of Psalm 119). Are You?