(1 John 4:20)
How can there be hate in the church? If we as Christians are to be like Christ, how can hate be apart of our Christian character? And yet it does.
When someone disagrees with us, or does not do the things we expect, we exhibit attitudes of hatred towards that person. We choose to not talk to them, to give them the cold shoulder, to not have anything to do with them.
Is this what we are taught By Christ in the Scriptures?
In our text, John asks a very good question, concerning our profession of love. How can we say we love God, when we have hateful, spiteful feelings, toward our brothers and sisters in Christ? If there is no love in us, how can we love God?
Instead of really working on our relationships, and having them be the best that they can be, we find ourselves working very hurriedly to send subtle signals, that we don't want anything to do with those, who have disappointed us, in some way. It is in the disagreements, and the disappointments, where love is tested most of all. It's easy to love, when things are going smooth. When people really get under our skin, that's when it is hard to love, but yet very necessary.
So if Jesus were to ask you: "Where is the love?" What would your answer be?
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 04 November 2013 Stock photo - Image ID: 100215123 www.freedigitalphotos.net