1 John 2:9-11

"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him." 1 John 2:9-11

"Brother" was a common way to speak of those within the family of God. I do not believe John is speaking about a brother in a literal family sense. Jesus Christ loved those within His spiritual family, and yes it is true that He those outside the family as well; however John is speaking specifically about loving those within the family of God. You cannot hate another follower of Christ and claim to be in the light. Living in truth demands that you love those in the family of God! I don't see anyway around this! If you are living within God's will, you must love your brother! What a testimony the Church of Jesus Christ would have if this marked our lives! To love those within the family of God. I have been in Church business meetings where there was anything but love present, and it wrecked the testimony the church had in the community. When darkness takes over, you have power struggles, pride issues, destructive and loose words, and much more. The people "do not know where (they) are going because the darkness has blinded (them)." We need to repair the reputation that the church has in the eyes of those outside by the way we love each other. This does not mean that we always agree with each other, but we love each other and discuss our issues. Don't let the darkness overshadow your life or your church! Pray for God's people to love one another and restore the church as a beacon of light when it comes to love! If you have issues with another believer, go to them (in love) and reconcile with them. They may not be willing to reconcile, but at least you humbled yourself and did the loving thing! Do what you can to live a life of love for those in the family of God!

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