1 John 2:9 9The one who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in darkness until now.

Walking in the light excludes darkness. Light and darkness cannot be in the same place. The light always casts out the darkness. The smallest light can be seen in the darkness. A person cannot open a can of darkness to chase away the light. Light in this verse represents love, and darkness represents hatred. Hatred (participle misōn) is a strong aversion, rejection, neglect, dislike, or hostility towards another person. For John, it is particularly the absence of love. John is describing a hypothetical situation where someone who claims to be a follower of Jesus hates another person but thinks he or she is right with God. One cannot claim to be a Christian and have hatred, in whatever form, towards another person. No neutral ground exists between hatred and love.

The way a person behaves towards others demonstrates what is inside a person and indicates their relationship or lack of relationship with Jesus. The proof of heart change can be seen in how a person interacts with others. Obedience to Jesus will be most evident in relationships with others. There is no internal change without external action. John focuses upon the primary evidence of a holy heart, which is love. To walk in the light of God’s holiness will lead to loving relationships with others. John uses the word brother, which is inclusive of both males and females, particularly focusing upon those within the community of Jesus’ followers. Any breakdown of a relationship within the church indicates deeper spiritual issues. Disagreements will arise, but these should never result in hatred or broken relationships. If that is the case, one must return to chapter 1 and seek forgiveness and cleansing. Holiness should result in community.