Daniel 8, 1 John 3:11-24, Proverbs 21:27-31, Proverbs 22:1-6
1 John 3:14-15 (ESV)
“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because
we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates
his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life
abiding in him.”
In 1 John 3:14–15, the apostle John teaches that love for fellow believers is evidence of being born again through faith in Jesus Christ. When believers choose to love others, they reflect Christ’s love for the world and their connection to His nature. John equates hatred with murder—just as Jesus did in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21–22), where He compared anger to murder. John emphasizes that harboring hatred in one’s heart reveals that Christ is not abiding in that person.
These verses remind me of a conversation I had yesterday with a friend. She had been spending time with people who seem to have an irrational hatred toward our current president. We both found their hatred unsettling because they do not know him personally, and they cannot change his behavior. Their hostility is so intense that they speak about it constantly, even when politics has nothing to do with the conversation. Such hatred feels bewildering. How can someone hate a person they have never met? How does such hatred dominate their thoughts to the point that they share it with everyone, regardless of context?
These verses from John remind me that if these individuals had Christ dwelling within them, irrational and consuming hatred would have no place in their lives. Disagreement is natural, but it must never grow into a consuming bitterness that shapes every conversation. In John’s metaphor, hatred is a form of murder—meaning these individuals are carrying that burden continually. I cannot imagine the toll this level of hatred must take on their minds, their health, and their souls. My Christian rebirth prevents hatred from ruling my thoughts or shaping my existence. Because of my relationship with the Lord, love guides my actions. My life is filled with peace, blessings, and gratitude—free from ill will toward strangers.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel moved to place your faith in Jesus Christ, who will guard your heart against hatred—this could be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in the following prayer and express your trust in Him. Share your desire to walk with Him and welcome His presence into your life. God is faithful and ready to meet you wherever you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for
all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart
that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is
my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of
salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made
new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of
Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit-filled, full-Gospel,
Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s
love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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