Have you ever looked back at a surprise and realized that you probably should have seen it coming? Once you think about it, you realize that there were plenty of signs that something was going on!
Sometimes, my wife and I will be watching a TV show, and one of us calls out a secondary character (usually in the second quarter of the show) as the most likely culprit. If we’re right, the other one says, “See how smart you are”, but that’s something of a joke, since many shows follow a fairly standard formula, and there are certain episodes when it’s even easier than usual to decode the “secret”.
Let’s see what the apostle John said in a passage from 1 John 3.
Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.
1 John 3:13-15 NIV
Whether this is a new topic, or just an extension of the previous one, we find a group that hates those who follow Jesus. Referred to here as “the world”, those who don’t follow Jesus – who don’t practice righteousness – tend to oppose the truth. (And, when you think about it, that’s not a surprise, is it?)
Because we – as human beings – aren’t strong or good or righteous enough to fight temptation on our own, those without God’s help (like the word of God in the Bible, the example provided by Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit) and without the justification that we receive from Jesus; well, people in that situation are fighting a losing battle. The result is remaining in death, unless and until lost individuals accept the lifeline that Jesus offers to them.
I don’t think that many people would consider an unrepentant murderer to be righteous, and when we understand the greater picture of sin, hate, and unrighteousness that Jesus taught (see Matthew 5:21-22, for instance, where unrighteous anger and insults are judged), we find that even hate for fellow Christians is a sign of not having given our lives over fully to Him. Ongoing hate, especially of others in the church, is an indication that followers of Jesus aren’t fully embracing the abundant life that He offers to those who love and obey Him (see John 10:10).
Instead, we must love others, especially those within the body of Christ (i.e., the church). This is one of the commands of Jesus (see John 14:34-35, for instance, from another account authored by the apostle John). When we love others and behave according to Jesus’ instructions, we can expect to be met with hate from a world that opposes Jesus. However, love for each other will cause us to stand out – in a good way – and should draw more people to the source and example of our love: Jesus Christ, Himself.
So, don’t be a “hater”. That’s not what Jesus modeled for us, and not what He wanted for those who follow Him. When we think about it, that shouldn’t be a surprise, either!
From Sunday School lesson prepared for March 2, 2025
References:
- 1717 Bible Studies, 1, 2, and 3 John, © 2025 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – 1, 2 & 3 John, by Morris M. Womack. © 1998 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 