16 Aug 2012
I John 2:9-11
I John 2:9: “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.”
Here is another distinguishing characteristic of genuine Christians: true Christians love each other. Jesus said that believers would be known by their great love for one another. Those who hate Christians, or wish them harm, or act against them, are not in the light but are in the darkness. (Those of you who are wondering “Who would do such a thing?” need to attend a church business meeting sometime. The viciousness, callous disregard, and outright hatred that is displayed is quite jarring.) A church that is devoid of love is very far from God. Real churches, populated by real Christians, will be filled with genuine love, care, and concern.
One of the fruits of the Spirit is love, and that love especially applies towards fellow believers in Christ. If you find yourself hating and disliking those who love the Lord then there is something very wrong going on.
Now, this is not to say that we are not grieved by those believers who are walking in sin or teaching heresy. Nor does it mean that we must never rebuke those who are living in sin. What it does mean is that we must love them and try to do what is best for them.
So, then, one piece of evidence of genuine faith is obedience to Jesus out of a love for Him. Another piece is a sincere love for the rest of the family of God.