¹¹ This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. ¹² We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous. ¹³ So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Love Others

This passage starts out pretty good. Love one another. That’s so nice. I mean, really, who could argue with that? Even people who don’t want anything to do with Jesus or God can appreciate a good ol’ “Love one another.”

So, why does John feel the need to toss in that last line? Why did he have to go from “love one another” to “don’t be surprised if the world hates you”? I mean, really John, what gives?

Well, since John is dead (you know, dead as in he’s not here with us but is alive in Heaven), it’s going to be tough for him to explain this passage. Let me give it a shot.

I think the answer lies in the example he uses right between those two phrases. Cain and Abel. Their story is found in Genesis 4. According to the passage, they are brothers, sons of Adam and Eve. The story is told that they both bring an offering to God. However, Abel’s offering is accepted and Cain’s is rejected. We don’t really know why, other than it was clear to God that Cain’s heart was wrong. His motivation for bringing an offering to God was suspect. After the rejection, Cain is jealous of Abel and ends up murdering his brother.

So, here’s my take on why John used this story as an example: It’s one thing to be nice to others. But to truly love them requires a level of self-sacrificing that can be offensive to those who refuse to love that way. As you demonstrate a love for others the way God intends you to love them, you will begin to offend those who do not love to the same degree. They will become jealous and critical. They will be forced to look inward at their own selfishness. And, eventually, some will grow to hate you. All because you have chosen to honour God with your life by loving him and loving others.

When we live life as God designed us to live  it, we force others to examine their own existence. For some, it draws them to want what we have. For others, it eventually offends because they simply will not give their life over to the only one who can turn it into something beautiful.

My prayer: Lord, I pray for those who may hate me simply because I choose to do your will. Open their eyes to the abundant life you offer them. Help them see how incredible and amazing your grace truly is. Soften their heart so that they might find freedom in you. Amen.

Until tomorrow.