Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister[a] is still in the darkness.
1 John 2:9
Footnotes: 1 John 2:9 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family; also in verse 11; and in 3:15, 17; 4:20; 5:16.
In general, I don't think we should hate anyone, but this passage stresses the importance of not hating our brothers and sisters. This is stressed several times in the book of 1 John. So, who are our brothers and sisters? In the footnote above, it refers to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family. As Christians, we have a responsibility to each other. We are a family. We may disagree, even on points of doctrine, but we must want the best for each other and pray for each other. We are linked by the most fundamental of beliefs: God is real and he sent his son to die for our sins. This core belief supersedes all other aspects of our human existence. If we can not love each other, how can we love non-believers and share God's love with them? And why would they want to be a part of a family who can not exist in harmony?
Lord, Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family. Please help us to love each other. Amen.
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