THE TRUE LIGHT (2)

“...the darkness is passing away, and the TRUE LIGHT is already shining” – 1 John 2:8b

The TRUE LIGHT in Christ Jesus shines brightest as the Light of Love: “Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the TRUE LIGHT is already shining. He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him” (1 Jh.2:8-10). This passage echoes John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus repeated this in John 15:12, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

God’s Love – Agape – differs from brotherly or friendly love (Phileo), familial love (Storge), or erotic love (Eros). Agape or Divine Love is a passionate commitment to uphold God’s Glory for our good. God is committed to and passionate about us. And His love for us is the means through which we love one another. God Himself is Love (1Jh.4:7-8). The truth about our reception of God’s love is demonstrated in our love towards one another. The degree that the gospel transforms people into those who love like Jesus, to that degree the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

The reason the commandment of Love is called new is that it is a commandment to be the new Light of the world. When John wrote that the Light which was hoped for in the distant future of the Kingdom of God was already shining, he meant that it was New: It came first in Jesus. Now, the same light is to come in the life of every believer. The Day of Light will ultimately dawn over the whole world. The first rays of that light are the Love of God in Jesus Christ. The glorious Kingdom of God peeked over the horizon, and one beam of light shot into the darkness – Jesus of Nazareth! He birthed His Church and said: “You are the LIGHT of the world” (Mt.5:14a).

Keeping the commandment of love is what confirms our Stand and Walk in the Light of God! 1 John 1:5b says, “God is LIGHT and in Him is no darkness at all.” The True Light is the Light of Love. One day, this Light will cover the earth like the water covers the sea. But for now, it has already begun to shine in Jesus and in those who abide in Him and “walk just as He walked” – in Love (v.6). God passionately loves us. Let’s believe this truth. Let’s receive it, stand in it, walk in it, and allow His love to light up our lives!