11 The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another. 12 We must not be like Cain; he belonged to the Evil One and murdered his own brother Abel. Why did Cain murder him? Because the things he himself did were wrong, and the things his brother did were right.
15 Those who hate others are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life in them. 16 This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! 17 If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God? 18 My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.
1 John 3:11-12, 15-18 (GNT)
In the New Testament, Cain is turned into the symbol of hatred and evil because he murdered his brother. John says that we are just like Cain if we hate others (close our hearts against them). Love, on the other hand – exemplified in the life of Christ – gives and makes sacrifices for others. John wants us to be like Christ. Picture a Love/Hate scale from 1 to 10 with 1 being Cain and 10 being Christ. Where would you put yourself on the scale? How could you move toward becoming a 10?
Each day (except Sundays) during Lent, we will post a Scripture for reflection on our theme, “Military Withdrawal.” Together, we will learn to walk in God’s ways of peacemaking and reconciliation. These posts are meant to stimulate conversation and interaction. Please post your thoughts and comments.
Tongue on Fire 