[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG
During this season of reflection
and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us
as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]
But he who hates his brother is in darkness
and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the
darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:11 NKJV
Some
claim Christianity but walk in darkness, blinded to the Truth. We are to love
each other, and if we live with hatred, then we are living in sin and not in
fellowship with God. Ray Stedman says, “such an attitude of hostility,
indifference, or unconcern toward another is a mark of an unregenerate life.”*
Stedman’s insight defines hates and darkness more
specifically. Hate creates a hardening within the heart. The dictionary defines
unregenerate as “unrepentant, not
reformed, wicked, obstinate, unconvinced, refusing to believe.” This is not the
kind of heart where the Spirit dwells.
The power of Satan over our lives can be
broken with the grace of Christ, but each one of us must choose to forgive
others, as Christ forgives us. The one who carries the attitude of hostility,
indifference, or unconcern toward another walks in darkness. But
whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we
know that we are in Him. (1 John
2:5) How is
your heart?
- Read 1 John 2:1-11; Who is our Advocate? What is propitiation?
- What do you call someone who says, “I know God” but does not obey God?
*The
Power of His Presence, p.148, Ray Stedman
All rights
reserved ~ used with permission of the author
Copyright 2013
by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author
For more
information about this ministry visit ~
“May you be
blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”
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