The New Commandment and the Things of This World

This meditation is based on a passage for April 18, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 1 John 2:7-17

Reflection and Question: This passage is steeped in Jesus’ commandment that believers love one another: the single commandment that is both new and old, according to John. One consequence of this commandment is clear: “whoever hates another believer is in the darkness and does not know the way to go.” And that hate is not of God and is passing away. But the writer is confident that every one of us, young and old, is able with Christ to forgive one another and create a communion of love. Where have you seen hate and what is the way to ending that?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, shine down upon us as with the light of this day. Bring Your light to the darkness of our minds and wills. Show us this day how to go and what to do in faith, hope and love. Abide in us so that we may do Your will today. Amen.