I John 4:20-21, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

A few years ago I was talking with a friend and the topic of conversation came to a certain individual in their local Church.  The friend I was speaking with said that he “hated ____”.  I just cringed inside.  The person I was talking to will tell you that they are a Christian.  This verse came to mind.  I did not feel at that time that God wanted me to rebuke this individual.  I wanted to so badly and maybe that is why I was to refrain so as to not make things worse.

I Have even heard many Christian teenager say they “hate” so and so.  I normally correct them in love.  The world hates people who name the name of Christ.  So for Christians to hate someone is worldly (and satanic I might add).  We need to overcome this.  Look at the words of I John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”  There are things that even God Himself hate; but, we are not to be hate mongers that go around hating others.  We are to follow the example of Jesus and love people.  We need to exhibit Christ-like love and allow others to see Him in us.

As God’s children we need to love those He loves and hate what He hates.  We need to hate sin; but, love the sinner.  If we do this we are on the road to a balanced life.  Far too many of us are off balance in our lives.

So, are you a child of God?  Have you been born-again?  You say you cannot know.  Ah, the Word of God says otherwise.  Look at I John 5:11-13, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”  We can know for sure and when we look at our lives we can tell by the fruits of our lives.  If we love God…

So, how are you doing?

Today’s reading:  Psalm 30, 60, 90, 120, 150; Proverbs 30; I John 3, 4; II John