“NO INCONSISTENCIES”

“Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him, there is no cause for stumbling.”

1 John 2:10

Love is the greatest among Christian virtues. The Bible tells us that only three gifts are eternally enduring: faith, hope, and love. Of the three, love is supreme (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love is greater than hope and faith because, without love, these two would not make sense. Faith without love is blind; hope without love is without meaning. In other words, these three Christian virtues are inseparable, but love is the greatest.

Jesus summarized the entire law into one word: love. Of all the 613 laws found in the Old Testament, the greatest is love—first, love for God, and second, love for others (Matthew 22:37-39). Love is the basis of our salvation (we wouldn’t even be made part of God’s family if not for His love)—and we only know how to love because God loved us first (1 John 4:19).

Here’s the truth: anyone who receives God’s love knows the responsibility that comes with it, which is loving Him back and loving others.

In today’s verse, John points out that anyone who loves his brother “abides in the light.” The word “abide” means “to continue or remain.” It speaks of a personal yet spiritual connection with Christ. This relationship results in a life marked by love.

The one who loves his fellow believers does not cause anyone to stumble. Since he lives in the light, his path is clear and his life is transparent; he has nothing to hide. There are no inconsistencies between his profession and his practice. Therefore, there is no cause for stumbling in him. Such a person abides in Christ and bears much fruit (John 15:5).

In other words, a true believer is a Christian in both words and deeds.

Pursue the Savior today!