1 John 2:7-11

A canary in a coal mine serves as a warning when something bad is about to happen.  Likewise John gives us a warning test for our social relationships within the church.  The commandment to love one another has been present among God’s people from the beginning of his covenant with them so, in that sense, it’s an old commandment.  At the same time, the grace and truth that come to us through Jesus write this commandment upon the tablets of our hearts in a new way.  It is not possible to continue hating our brothers while claiming to walk in the light of the gospel.  Rather we are called to build each other up, to move toward one another when friction does arise, and to avoid being a stumbling block to our brothers and sisters, thereby walking in the light.