*WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19TH 2026*
TOPIC: *DEALING WITH HATRED IN YOU*
BIBLE PASSAGE: *1 JOHN 2:7-14*
*KEY VERSE:*
_*Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.*_ – 1 John 2:9
In today’s passage, John reiterates the imperative of loving one another in Christ. He qualifies this kind of love as a “new commandment” in the sense that the Lord Jesus Christ had demonstrated it in the way He loved and forgave His accusers up to when He hung on the cross. John’s call for us to love one another becomes more compelling and instructive when you consider that early in his life he was known as one of the _*”sons of thunder.”*_ He once wanted to call down fire from heaven upon those who rejected Jesus (Luke 9:54). Hatred is the opposite of love and the scripture reminds us that both cannot co-exist together. Hence in v. 8-11, John insists that a believer cannot claim that he loves God when he/she demonstrates hatred towards another person. Comparing hatred to darkness and love to light shows us the serious implications of these two dispositions.
Remember that hatred can also be expressed by indifference; true love will demonstrate itself for one another. Are you living in hatred and yet claim to be a child of God? Look around you in the church, your residential area and your place of work or business, is there anyone that you hate even if for a reasonable cause? God’s word says that we should rather love so that we will not be in danger of hell fire (c/f 1 John 3:15). We need to behave like our heavenly Father who loves the sinner but hates his sin. Jesus said: _”But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you..”*_ Matt 5:44. That is God’s standard and his demand on us.
Apostle John now admonishes different groups in the church – little children, fathers, young men – and reminding them that before God each group has a place of connection and level of spiritual maturity. Yet in this diversity of experience and growth in Christ, we ought to love one another and work together at our different levels to promote the kingdom of God. While the elderly and more experienced in faith _*“dream”,*_ the young and agile youths would _*“see visions and prophesy”*_ as soon they fight spiritual battles to protect themselves and the church (v.12-14; Joel 2:28). Let all hands be on deck, devoid of every possibility of hatred, knowing the spiritual battles before the church is real.
*ACTION:*
_Is there anyone on earth you hate? Go and make peace today. Show the person love._
*PRAYER:*
_*O Lord, help me never to hate anyone in my life. Purge me of any form of hatred. Fill me with love for everyone, in Jesus name.*_Good morning have a lovely day
