DAY 2

[Read: 1 John 2:9–11]

NIV:

“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.”

MSG:

“Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness.”

[Let's Get Into It]

John doesn’t leave room for gray here. If someone says they’re a Christian—walking in the light—but lives with hate toward another believer, then according to Scripture, they’re actually walking in darkness. They’re not just “off track”—they’re blind to where they’re even going.

This hate doesn’t have to be dramatic or loud. It can look like holding grudges, avoiding people, secretly rooting for someone to fail, gossiping, or deciding someone isn’t worth your kindness. John’s point is clear: if you’re walking in the light of God, there’s no space for that kind of behavior.

And here’s where it gets real: you can’t claim to love God and hate someone who’s made in His image, especially a brother or sister in Christ. The two don’t mix. That’s like saying your phone is fully charged while it’s clearly dead. Doesn’t work.

[Think About It:]

Why do you think hatred or bitterness toward other Christians is so serious to God?

What does this tell you about how closely our love for God is tied to how we treat others?

[Reflection:]

Are you holding onto anger, bitterness, or pride toward another Christian?

Is there someone you've “written off” that God’s calling you to love differently?

[Go Deeper:]

📖 Matthew 5:23-24 – Reconciliation matters to God before worship.

📖 John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

📖 1 John 4:20 – “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar…”

[Action:]

This week, ask God to show you one relationship where you’ve let distance, bitterness, or pride replace love. Take a step toward healing—even if it’s just starting with a prayer for that person. Don’t let hate mess with your walk in the light.