Of Cain or of Christ?

1 John 3:11-18This passage confronts us with another of John’s contrasts: hate for others or love for others. Our conclusion in last week’s contrast between righteousness and unrighteousness: the gospel that saves us is the gospel that changes us. We grow in righteousness. We also grow in our love for one another. We love the family. God’s people are our people. We have genuine love and care for the people God saves. Our default state is selfishness – with our money, our family, our space, our time. That’s why we need to hear the message to love one another again and again. We naturally lean toward self, not toward others. This reality is not just an introvert/extrovert type of thing. God’s commands are not dependent on personality type, spiritual gifting, social engagement, experience. Loving one another is a joyful privilege and spiritual responsibility of every believer.