Wednesday, April 5, 2017

1 John 2:9-10 -- On Love and Light

"He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him."
1 John 2:9-10


This is interesting... to me, it doesn't seem like it is a condemnation / guilt trip sort of a thing, trying to scare us into obedience.  It seems more like an informational thing... trying to teach us and help us navigate the uncertainties of life, and make better choices.  When we hate, we are clouding our own minds and perspectives.  We darken our own outlook, and we make it harder for ourselves as we try to find our way.  When we love, we enlighten our minds and brighten our perspectives.  We can see clearly, and we help ourselves to find our way through the varied experiences of life.


This idea of love = light goes along with other significant scriptures on these subjects such as "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love" (1 John 4:8), and "That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (D&C 50:24).  Love makes us light, and more like God, who is both love and light.

Today, let's endeavor to let go of hatred, of any variety, and dedicate ourselves to becoming more like God--to walking in the light, to *becoming* brighter, and to loving more.

No comments:

Post a Comment