As we begin to practice these principles and observe these truths, the reasons why we were the way we were will become clear. You’ll notice that sin is not reserved to just the mental area or our thinking. It also involves our words and our actions. It affects the social, legal, spiritual, and health areas. You see, sin affects our whole life. We now know that we cannot mock the evidence of sin and the works that it has produced and promoted in our lives. The NIV translates the desire to make amends as “good will.”
1 John 2:9-11 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
In these verses we see the contrast between the way we used to live and the newly developed desire and direction we now have. Because of self-deception, it was easy for us to state to ourselves, as well as to others, that we were in the light. Our self-justification gave us reason that it was okay to hate or hold resentments against others. We see the truth as revealed here—we were still in darkness.
God is mentioned in two different ways – as love and light. The Apostle John states that the LORD is love. 1 John 4:8, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Both John and Jesus, Himself, stated that He was the light of men and life. John 1:4, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 8:12, “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’”
The Apostle also states that when we are walking in God’s love, there is no cause for stumbling. Our conscience will be our guide and witness. The Holy Spirit will be able to truly lead and direct us. This does not mean that love will not cause stumbling. Remember that love caused the biggest stumbling ever in that our sins were the cause for the murder of God’s Son. Love does stumble sinners, and love is very misunderstood by those of the world.
This simply means that the light of love illuminates our way and draws us towards holiness and purity. It causes us to yearn for peace and unity. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:.. This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all... But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin... And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure... If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men... Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another... Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace... I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace... Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!