There Is No Cause of Stumbling in Them
1 John 2:9–10
(Photo by Bradley Allweil on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible)
1 John 2:9–10 If anyone claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister, they are still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves their brother or sister remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in them. 11 But whoever hates their brother or sister is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded their eyes.
John writes to show that true faith in Christ is not proven by a claim alone, but by a transformed life, specifically a life marked by love for others. When a person loves fellow believers, it is evidence that they are walking in the light. But if someone claims to be in the light while harboring hatred toward another believer, their life reveals that they are still in darkness.
This passage speaks of an ongoing pattern of life. Hatred here includes persistent bitterness, resentment, or a refusal to love. John makes it clear that it is impossible to walk in the light while rejecting Christ’s command to love. This reflects Jesus’ teaching that love for one another is the visible mark of His true disciples.
This should lead to personal examination. Ask God to search your heart. Are you holding onto bitterness, unforgiveness, or hatred toward another believer while claiming to follow Christ? If so, confess it honestly before God. Agree with God that this is sin and ask Him to cleanse your heart. As you abide in Jesus, the Holy Spirit will produce in you the love that Christ commands, enabling you to walk in the light. ~ Jeff M Newman
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Observe Jesus’ Commands
Reconcile with others. Prioritize forgiveness and resolve conflicts quickly.
Matthew 5:23-26 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother or sister; then come and offer your gift. 25 Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. (Luke 12:58)
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