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12. Do You Still Hate Your Brother?
During his long life, John the apostle of love came across a variety of wrong ideas and much darkness. He saw that philosophers and founders of religions have come and gone. Some of their tombs were highly venerated, others were neglected. By contrast, the tomb of Christ lies empty, because He is alive. He has risen from the dead. His love is immortal, His power is invincible and His Gospel still saves.
When John discovered this truth, he testified boldly that the darkness had gone and its force was broken; death was vanquished and the life of God was manifested. The era of darkness has ended and the age of grace is here. Rays from Christ’s love shine upon you, granting to all who approach Him enlightenment, pardon and divine power. Christ is that powerful light which does not wane, because He humbled Himself and died on the cross for the sins of the world.
What is regrettable is that some believers still keep traces of hatred in their hearts, rejecting some brothers and sisters. John declares to them that light and darkness cannot coexist in the same place. Either you forgive your brother all his sins without reserve and forget them forever, or your eye is dimmed and you walk in darkness. Jesus taught us saying,
Through the influence of Christ’s Spirit within, us we are able to make friends of our worst enemies. How much more our brothers and sisters in the Spirit? They are our eternal relatives. So, we forgive them and forget their lapses. We approach them, embrace them, converse with them, confide in them and share our burdens with them.
Every offense or misunderstanding separates you from your fellowman. So, don’t wait until the offender comes to you and apologizes. You go to him and make it up; approach him and ask his forgiveness. The one who apologizes first is stronger in spirit. The one who waits, as being in the right until the other comes to him, is still weak and puny in his spiritual life.
Pray God to grant you the spirit of humility and ask Him to change your mind and thinking so that you will be established in His word and learn better the eternal principles of judgment:
Had the believing soldier left the drowning man to his fate, only his conscience would have been troubled, but the Spirit of God living within him overcame the temptation of darkness. God’s holiness banished the hatred that the evil one had put in his heart. The love of Jesus conquered; the darkness was dispelled and the true light shone brightly.
What is your condition? Can you remember someone who bothers you? Thank the Lord for him! Through him the Lord wants to teach you victory over self so that you will love your enemy as God loves you. You will not find rest in your heart from the conviction of God’s Spirit until you pray for the good of your enemy and serve him, guided by the Spirit of the Lord.