What does it mean that he who hates his brother walks in darkness (1 John 2:11)?

Answer

Those who have faith in God are described as walking in the light. God desires us to dwell in the light as He does (John 3:21;1 John 1:7). Walking in the light entails living in obedience to Him and refraining from living in sin. Conversely, the unbeliever resides in darkness. In 1 John 2:11, we are cautioned that whoever harbors hatred towards their brother walks in darkness, veiled by sin.

John clarifies, “Whoever claims to be in the light but harbors hatred towards a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Whoever loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to cause them to stumble. But whoever harbors hatred towards a brother or sister is in the darkness and moves about in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them” (1 John 2:9-11).

Those who walk in the light are to be characterized by love. This love is demonstrated through obedience to God (John 15:10;1 John 2:3) and in loving others (John 15:12,17;1 John 4:7-8). Love for others serves as evidence of God’s presence in the life of a believer (John 13:34-35;1 John 4:7-12). Since God embodies love, anyone who fails to love others indicates that God is not within them. First John 4:20 states, “Whoever claims to love God yet harbors hatred towards a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” Loving others is not merely a suggestion for believers; it is a command (Mark 12:30-31). Jesus conveyedHis followers, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” «A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. », (John 13:34). Love for others manifests our love for God, who is Light. Therefore, he who hates his brother walks in darkness, indicating that God’s love is not in him.

Our love for others is a way for the world to witness God. Due to God’s love for us (John 3:16;1 John 4:9), He sent His Son into the world so that we might live through Him, both in this life and for eternity. Those who trust God live in love because this truth has transformed their lives and destinies. However, some may claim to love God without truly knowing Him. This is why John warns that whoever hates his brother is actually walking in darkness. Loving others distinguishes those who walk in light from those who walk in darkness. In John 13:35, after Jesus commands His disciples to love one another, He says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Believers love others because “[God] first loved us” «We love him, because he first loved us. », (1 John 4:19).

We are called to love others in all we do «Let all your things be done with charity. », (1 Corinthians 16:14). We demonstrate love through our attitudes as well as our actions. Philippians 2:3–4 provides us with a practical way to show love: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” James 2:14–17 instructs us to live out our faith by meeting the needs of others.Instead of merely uttering words of blessing, we are encouraged to love others as Jesus loved us «and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. », (Ephesians 5:2). By doing so, we can walk in the light, whereas those who harbor hatred towards their brother walk in darkness.

God’s love for us transforms our lives and influences our perception of others who are also created in His image. Those who love God will naturally love others. Conversely, those who harbor hatred towards their brother walk in darkness, revealing the absence of God’s love within them. Those who walk in the light are provided with reasons to love others and are empowered by God’s Spirit within them to genuinely express love.

Loving others may pose challenges; even individuals who sincerely love God and walk in His light still grapple with sinful inclinations (1 John 1:8-10;Romans 7—8). However, God remains faithful in granting us His compassion for others when we seek Him. The deeper our comprehension of His immense love, the stronger our desire to extend it to the world through both our words and actions becomes. Love speaks truth and genuinely pursues the well-being of others (John 15:13;Romans 5:8;Romans 12:9-21;1 Corinthians 13;Ephesians 4:15). God equips us with the desire, wisdom, and all else necessary to love others with His love. As we persist in walking in His light, we will continue to exemplify His love.