Devotional by Marissa Syzonenko

“Yet I am writing you a new command, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. The one who says he is in the light but hates his brother or sister is in the darkness now. The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother or sister in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he’s going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”

1 John 2:8-11 CSB

John’s letters (1 John, 2 John, and 3 John), in my opinion, are some of the most powerful books of the Bible. In these letters, John often speaks of love. A topic in which he is well versed, as he was called Jesus’s “beloved disciple.” (John 13:23). Not only was he beloved, but John knew Jesus well. He sat next to Jesus at the Last Supper, he stood at the foot of the cross as Jesus was crucified, he saw the empty tomb on that first Easter morning, and shared a lakeside breakfast with the resurrected Jesus. In this passage, John takes it upon himself to speak on “God’s Command.” Just a few verses earlier John calls us to “walk just as he walked.” (1 John 2: 6) And here is verses 8 - 11, John breaks down why this is so important.

Jesus is our “true light.” He is here and among us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to work daily towards reflecting this light into the world. Sometimes, I know, this can seem like a daunting task. The path can seem unclear. Here in verse 11 John says it is hate that causes us to not know where we are going, that can cause the darkness to blind us. What is the opposite of hate and darkness? Love and light.

John tells us how we can bring the light of Jesus into the world around us, by loving our brothers and sisters. During the Christmas season there are so many ways to show love outwardly. We give presents, cook meals, and write cards. But, when we look deep inside, we can gauge if we are truly loving our brothers and sisters in our hearts. The outward acts are not enough - the inward motivation is the difference between love and hate.

Whether it is regarding family, friends, or strangers, take a moment today to reflect on those who you may not be loving fully in your heart. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and soften it toward that person or people that come to mind. Remain in this light, and it will make your path clear.