Love and Hatred

Dominic Jackson continues our journey through 1 John by exploring what it means to live in the light through the command to love. Though John calls it both an “old” and “new” command, the heart of it is simple: love one another. But this love is not a vague sentiment or shallow tolerance; it’s a love defined by the life and self-giving of Jesus. When we withhold love, John says, we walk in darkness, no matter what we claim to believe. To walk in the light is to live in a way that makes space for others to be seen, known, and welcomed. This passage challenges us to ask whether we are just avoiding hate or actively practicing love.