Love and hate are two strong emotions. Love and hate flow throughout our present society and they can reap the most wonderful or the most devastating of harvests.
That mature disciple of Jesus Christ writes about this in his letter to the Church and what follows is based upon his strong teaching and advice in Chapter 2 and at verse 11. Do check it out. Do take time to read the actual text in the New Testament, because that always has its own reward for the reader as it opens a channel whereby Almighty God can bless.
This man of who John is writing here knows what is wrong, but he is unwilling or unable to do anything about it. John says - And if you don't love then you hate! Now, that is strong!
Remember - hate means - "ignore" or "reject". God says - "Jacob have I loved but Esau I have hated."
This is why we preach - speak - testify - and when words are not enough we have to do 'something'.
What is in our hearts, not only affects and influences our brother, but also ourselves.
We have the Commandments of the Father - and the Community of the Son - and in verses 12 to 14, we have that Communion with God which the Holy Spirit has given us.
John gives counsel and advice to the believing fellowship. There must always be positive instruction and teaching.
Love the God the Father - and - Love the brethren. We did not become believers by doing these two things, we do them as a consequence of our becoming believers in Jesus Christ and disciples of Jesus Christ. "I am writing these things to you because you are already believers and followers and disciples".
When John teaches and counsels them he divides them into separate groups - Children - Young Men - and Fathers.
Little children - your sins are forgiven - Christ has died for you. They may not have been long born - but they are still in the family. They may only have started to be disciples of Jesus Christ, but they are still in the family of God and need to be accepted, received and treated as full family members.
Young men - adolescents - going through growing up - more developed - past that first flush of enthusiasm - you too are part of the family. Keep the Commandments and no sinning. He speaks to different age groups, and different levels of experience and maturity, need different kinds of teaching.
You have found that you have overcome the evil one. These young believers know that they have a Father they can talk to, and they will soon come to know that the Word of God can make them strong.
The Father - God the Father - our Father - talk to Him. Pray to Him and never mind the words to begin with. He knows. He understands. An earthly father knows and understands. Don't worry or be too concerned about what you are going to say or how you are going to say things - just start and speak.
Those who are young and strong can lift things - lead - fight - minister - ease the burden of the weaker and younger ones - and encourage the weaker and younger ones to venture on.
The fathers of our faith, are examples, reflecting a depth and stability that you can admire and follow.
Aim to be one. That is what John is saying - always growing in grace - never stop growing - aim to become a spiritual father. Aim to be what the Bible calls a mother in Israel - they are so needed in these times.
John gives us some picture of the Christian Life - birth - growth - development - on to maturity - and knowing God - not just knowing about God but knowing Him - talking with Him - and listening as he talks with you.
Love the Father - Love the brothers - Keep the Commandments - Walk in the Light - and then a little comment and warning - Love not the world.
John knows how to write inspirationally - Praise - Encouragement - Teaching - Reassurance - then a word of Warning! He is so balanced and leaders must seek to be balanced and fair and true and just in all they do. Now, that is not easy, but it is possible.
Sandy Shaw
