This fourth episode on 1 John, chapter three, verses 11-24 deals with love and hate, life and death. For John, these things were real and provided a vivid contrast for what it means to live as a Christian in a disbelieving world. We have new life in Christ. And as a result, we are to love. We live in a world filled with hate, but we are to love. We live, surrounded by people condemned to death for their sins, but we have life – abundant life here and now and eternal life to come. We are to provide a stark contrast to the world around us. Unlike Cain, we are not to hate anymore. Hate leads to murder and death. It was Jesus who said, "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!" (Matthew 5:21-22 NLT). As believers in Christ, we have been called to a new standard and a new life – one marked by love, not hatred. But our new lives in Christ will not be accepted by those with whom we live. They will despise and hate us. They will reject us. Because we represent the light and the light exposes sin.
