Today's Reading: 1 John 3:13-18

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 17:1-28; John 16:17-33

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. (1 John 3:16)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Today, the apostle John makes it clear that there are two groups of people in the world: those who hate their brother and those who love their brother. To which group do we belong?

We are those who have been loved by Christ Jesus. He rescued us from our sin, from the hatred we had shown against God and our neighbor. He has cleansed us in His blood and given us new life in Baptism. We are no longer children of the world. We are children of God (1 John 3:1). He then sends us out to love our brothers.

Sadly, the world is full of people who deny Christ and hate Him. As they hate Christ, they also hate those who are in Christ and part of the Church. Do not be surprised when the world hates you. This is the normal course of history.

Fear not, for you are in Christ, He goes with you through this sin-broken world. He looks after you. He sends His angels to protect you. And you are surrounded by your brothers and sisters in Christ who help you. Stay close to Christ and to your family in Christ in your congregation. This is especially important as the troubles in our world grow!

So how do we respond to the hatred of the world? Not in fear, for Christ is victorious. Not in hatred, for Christ loves and does not hate. Rather, we respond in love. We love our brothers and sisters in Christ and help one another. Sometimes we give help. Sometimes others help us. But our lives are marked by the love of Christ in deed and in truth.

We offer love to those outside the Church, too. Never underestimate the power of God's love when shared with someone who has only known the darkness of sin and death! Sometimes our love is rejected. Fear not! There's tremendous strength in giving love when you are hated.

Remember the power of prayer, as we ask God for justice and peace in the world (1 Timothy 2:1-4). The love of Christ gives great strength to the people of God. Sometimes we may forget that, but Christ will remind us of it, and it will be beautiful. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch