The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

                                                                                                               1 John 2:9-11 

It seems that much of Christianity today has been reduced to a cacophony of voices, criticizing other’s and their efforts in spreading the gospel, pointing proverbial fingers, and making accusatory remarks, all in the name of Jesus. Scripture leaves little room for us to accept this behavior as being anything but destructive, divisive, and ungodly.

In today’s passage, John is again addressing the issue of abiding in the Light of Christ versus that of walking in darkness. John tends to speak in general terms throughout his letter. He does not usually point to any specific type of behavior rather he merely speaks broadly about the chasm between light and darkness. But in this passage, John draws upon one specific character trait of someone claiming to walk in the Light of Jesus. I believe that this one indispensable attribute is what separates effective, prolific, Christian living from that of lifeless, unproductive, and unfruitful lives. And what is this trait? It is the ability to love others, especially fellow believers. Consider John’s words from the Amplified Bible: 

The one who says he is in the Light [in consistent fellowship with Christ] and yet habitually hates (works against) his brother [in Christ] is in the darkness until now.  

                                                                                                         1 John 2:9 (AMP) 

We cannot claim to have fellowship with God and yet work against our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. When the Bible tells us to test the spirits, it identifies the opposing spirit as that of the anti-Christ. Consider the clarity that John gives us in making this discernment: 

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

                                                                                                                        1 John 4:2-3 

So given this clarity regarding our real enemy, why do some believers seemed bent on the destruction of other’s ministries done in the name of Jesus? This should not be. Jesus taught His disciples about this concept. Consider the following exchange:

John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.

                                                                                                               Mark 9:38-41 

The disciples were concerned that there were “others” who were doing work in the name of Jesus. Their primary complaint was that these people were “not following us.” Of course, Jesus response is profound, “He who is not against us is for us.” Enemies to the gospel will always try and distort or silence the good news. The enemy himself will do whatever is necessary to distract people from hearing, believing, and receiving salvation found in Jesus (Luke 8:11-12). But for those who believe in the name of Jesus and unapologetically proclaim His name, these are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Why does there seem to be less unity and more and more division in the body of Christ? Well, it’s nothing new. Consider the following:

Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” Has Christ been divided?

                                                                                                     1 Corinthians 1:10-13a 

This problem of division began to arise in the first century church not long after the ascension of Christ. The people began dividing themselves over teachers and leaders in the church. They began attaching themselves to the names of various individuals. Today, we can observe the very same practices. I am amazed at the number of people in the church who will identify themselves using the name of a specific denomination, or theologian, or doctrinal viewpoint. And when we add human nature and dogma to those distinctions, we have a recipe for division. But Paul is clear…there should be no divisions among believers.

How easy it is for us to allow our fallen nature to trick us into believing that we alone are the only ones working for the kingdom. When we find ourselves sinking into a pattern of criticism, arrogant rants, and accusatory remarks, we have been spiritually blinded by the darkness. At this point, we can expect to cause many people to stumble in their faith. When “sound doctrine” is reduced to an “agreeing with us” mentality and false teachers are identified as “those who don’t”, we would do well to go back and check our hearts for any bitterness, jealousy, envy, or hatred that we might have toward others.

Discerning the presence of a genuine, authentic believer should not be a difficult proposition for a fellow Christian. Authentic believers are loving people. They are happy, joyful, and spiritually healthy individuals. They operate out of a heart of kindness, gentleness, and humility. Their words promote unity, encouragement, and the building up of others in the faith. They are quick to say a good word and their motives, actions, and attitudes follow suit. Even when they are in seasons of struggle, believers are able to connect with fellow believers, allowing them to reciprocate the same kind of encouragement and support. And together, these believers are committed to communicating the love of God and the salvation that comes from trusting Jesus to as many as they can. This is what authentic Christian living is to be.

Are we walking in darkness or in the Light of Christ? How we handle other people, especially fellow believers, will always speak volumes in revealing what is really in our hearts. Genuinely caring about and for each other is the only way that we can be assured that we are living in the Light of Jesus. Love…it is the great litmus test for genuine, Christian authenticity! 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

                                                                                                                        1 John 4:7-8