Into a world filled with the darkness of evil and hatred, God steps in bringing light with righteousness and love, exact polar opposites! “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” John 1:5; the darkness does not understand the light, it cannot control it, neither it can it ever extinguish it! Jesus said “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness” John 12:46. Again He said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” John 8:12. Where there is darkness there is hatred, 1 John 2:11 says, “he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness…” While this verse is speaking primarily to the Christian Brotherhood it stands that all hatred and ill will is born in darkness! As hatred comes with darkness so love comes with light! Two “trademarks” of Jesus life and ministry are light and love, He is “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy (God’s) people Israel” Luke 2:32 KJV; and His is the zenith of love “to lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13 KJV. And now we who have His light in us are to replicate His example and “walk as children of light” Ephesians 5:8, “And walk in love…” Ephesians 5:2.
God Is Love, His Mercy Brightens
By John Bowring (19th Century) selected by Rose Hill
“God is love, His mercy brightens
All the path in which we move;
Bliss He forms, and woe He lightens;
God is light, and God is love.
Chance and change are busy ever;
Worlds decay; and ages move;
But His mercy waneth never;
God is light, and God is love
E’vn the hour that darkest seemeth
Will His changeless goodness prove;
From the mist His brightness streameth;
God is light, and God is love.
He with earthly cares entwineth
Hope and comfort from above;
Everywhere His glory shineth;
God is light, and God is love.”
Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.