Discussions
Q. Bakersfield, Calif. " Please com ment on I John 2:11 which states that if we hate our brother we are not walking in the light. How does one define 'hate'? Is it simply the opposite of love?" A. The word "hate" used in Scrip ture actually means "love-less" when used in connection with our relationship to the Lord. This is seen in Luke 14:26 where we read, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple." Christ used that word "hate" in a far different sense than we do to day. He certainly did not have in mind contempt, bitterness, anger, jealousy, or any vituperative spirit that represents man's hatred for his fellow man. If we would come
to Christ and be totally yielded to Him, we have to love everything and everybody less than we love Him. Here in I John 2:11 we do find the warning against hating or des pising someone else. We have been called to walk in the light. For this reason, our lives should be characterized by love for the breth ren. Most of the problems we face today are a result of our feelings toward others. Let us examine our inner feelings in the light of God's Word and make certain that we are not guilty of hatred. If there is such a spirit within us, confess it to the Lord, and ask Him, through the Holy Spirit, to fill our hearts with love. Q. Yakima, Wash. "Can a person become a Christian and then lose his salvation? I have a friend who Page 9
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