DAY 5 – Something New and Life Changing from Something Old | Firm Foundation Devotional
The Apostle John wrote an encouraging letter to believers in Christ. He reminded them of something they already knew, something that was true in Christ and true within themselves. He called it a “new commandment,” but it was based on something old. John wrote, “the darkness is passing away in the true light is already shining.”
Before we discuss that new commandment, understand this very important truth: As long as the light is shining, darkness MUST pass away!
For many of us here in the United States, 2020 has been partly a season of darkness with COVID shutting down businesses, schools, the economy, and church meetings (however, Christ's church never "closed"). On May 25, 2020, we witnessed the murder of a fellow African-American man, George Floyd, by a police officer. NOTE: Watching a black man suffer and die was infinitely more impactful to Black men than others can imagine.
We were dismayed by counterproductive riots in the midst of peaceful protests. We witnessed our president hurl insults, threats, abuse his power leading to impeachment, make nonsense statements about peaceful protesters, and calling the Black Lives Matter movement, “terrorists.” On top of all this was the silence of too many Christians who withheld their love and voice in condemnation of white supremacy, and emboldened the out-of-control Chief Executive of our nation.
The Apostle John wrote in 1 John 2:9, He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
The Apostle John revealed that the new commandment is LOVE, which was the same as the old commandment from Leviticus 18:19, “Love your neighbor as yourself," now empowered by Christ. Love is the action of abiding in the light. Love is the light that dispels darkness. THIS is the love that will HELP another person NOT to stumble.
Failling to act, when keeping justice and doing righteousness can make a difference for others, is simply a lack of love. This is a form of hate because hate is not only active disgust expressed toward another person. Hate is sometimes expressed by inaction and silence.
Reflection Question: How can loving others help them not to stumble? How can you love someone like that today?
My Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
_______________________
Get the Book, Biblical & Social Justice: What Is It?
Available in print, Kindle, Apple iBooks, and Digital Voice editions
www.biblicaljusticebook.com
The Apostle John wrote in 1 John 2:9, He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
The Apostle John revealed that the new commandment is LOVE, which was the same as the old commandment from Leviticus 18:19, “Love your neighbor as yourself," now empowered by Christ. Love is the action of abiding in the light. Love is the light that dispels darkness. THIS is the love that will HELP another person NOT to stumble.
Failling to act, when keeping justice and doing righteousness can make a difference for others, is simply a lack of love. This is a form of hate because hate is not only active disgust expressed toward another person. Hate is sometimes expressed by inaction and silence.
Reflection Question: How can loving others help them not to stumble? How can you love someone like that today?
My Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
_______________________
Get the Book, Biblical & Social Justice: What Is It?
Available in print, Kindle, Apple iBooks, and Digital Voice editions
www.biblicaljusticebook.com
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