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| Volume 27 Number 10 October 2025 |
Page 8 |
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| Volume 27 Number 10 October 2025 |
Page 8 |
Ralph Clevinger
The apostle John encouraged his readers to live in a way that honors the Lord. There were those living among them who claimed to follow Jesus, but their life did not bear it out. Those who claimed to be following Jesus also hindered the walk of faith for those who truly followed Jesus. One of the descriptions given by John to determine who was faithful was the way they treated the brethren. In one place, he wrote, “He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him” (1 John 2:9–10 NKJV). The love brethren should show to one another comes from the knowledge of God sending His Son to die in our stead (1 John 4:9–11). God’s great love shown on the cross set the standard for love shared among brethren (1 John 3:16).
Another description given to distinguish those who follow the Lord from those who did not was their actions. The epistle begins with the comparison of walking in the light and walking in darkness. Notice, those living in darkness do not practice the truth (1 John 1:6). On the other hand, those walking in the light bear a similarity to Jesus (1 John 1:7). John further distinguished between the two peoples in the third chapter. He explained, “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He [Jesus] is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning” (1 John 3:7–8). Those who live in the light practice righteousness or doing right things. Those who practice sin walk in darkness.
As we consider our lives, what is it that we practice? Do we practice the truth and love those who love God? Do we practice sin and find fault with our brethren? Our eternal home depends on our lives today. Let us desire to practice right things while showing love to our brethren! Have a blessed day!
