Today’s Thought “Denial” G. Ward

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” 1 John 4:20

Oh no, here he comes again! Every time I see him, I journey the opposite way! Have you ever thought of this as an expression of hatred? Probably not. This John Doe is so negative and nerve-racking.

 To hate is comparable to what it means to love. Categorically, the range is huge. Although I love my Aunt Rose, it’s not the same as the love I have for my child. Hate is merely hoarding feelings of discord about something or someone. The very essence of the word connotes the very worst in emotional range. Although abhorrent to even recite (i.e. hate), it is an adopted condition of man. The Word of God marvelously challenges our common thought process by offering the opposite to traditional sayings. Understanding, then applying Truth must first understand one’s own redemption as necessary because of having missed the mark of excellence (Ro.3:23). Moreover, this recompense offered man does not categorically esteem one over another based on severity of sin; but graciously overshadows (Ro.5:8). We’re admonished to imitate this process through a great interrogative unfolding of our own errancy that wouldn’t ever pinnacle in satisfaction (Phil.3:12-13). The John Doe spoken of earlier deserves better. What if Holy God viewed us as the very irritant John Doe has become? After all, we pompously enter His presence after failing to submit to His way day after day…

“They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23

Happy Friday!