Recently I decided to pick up my Bible and start trying to read through the whole Bible again. I started with 1 John. I honestly chose 1 John, because I knew it was short. I hoped it would give me momentum to keep finishing the books of the Bible again. Little did I know how much conviction it would lead me in just the first three chapters.

What really struck home for me is when it says that we who hate our brother is still in the darkness. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean our biological brothers. Our brother or sisters are anyone who is in Christ. The reason that this passage struck home to me is that I have been recently complaining about a situation with one of my brothers in Christ. I realized that I am in the wrong with this situation.

Just today I have been complaining about this situation, and I have contemplating leaving the situation completely. This is running away from my problems, but I realized that I need to face my problems in this situation. It might not be easy or something I want to do. Especially since I am not one who easily faces confrontation. Though I am starting to see that this might be necessary to face.

It is constantly a struggle to not hate your brother, but it is something we should work on. We should strive to not talk bad about our brothers and sisters in Christ. I have realized that when we talk bad about our brothers to other people, then as a result they might start to not like the person as well. Instead we should only try to have positive and encouraging things to say about our brothers. You don’t know what battles they are facing, and we should not let ourselves add to their struggles.

Another thing I realized is that sometimes we will be hated by the world. God doesn’t call us to an easy life, and we might be hated for it. I know the problems I face are minimal compared to the opposition that other Christians face. I know in America I currently have the freedom to express and show my religious beliefs and love of Christ.

If you are following Christ and running towards him then you will face opposition. I know this is not easy for many of us. I want to give you hope that the opposition you face is worth it. Don’t give up on your relationship with Christ just because you face opposition.

Scripture References:

• “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness” ~ 1 John 2:9 ESV
• “But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” ~ Matthew 12:48-50 ESV
• Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you” ~ 1 John 3:13 ESV

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