Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. 1 John 2:9 – 11

One enemy of light is hatred toward another.  I am not sure the meaning of “hate” here. Could it mean, treating others as though they were of no account?  Like looking down on another to the extent that you are no longer in a learning relationship, but a judging one?

Walking with others who love Jesus and who are disciples is one of the great blessings that we can enjoy.  As I examine my own attitudes I do believe that I learn very little from people who are “below” me in social class, in a race different from my own, less educated, poorer, less powerful, so to speak.  I simply brush them off.  As I think about it, I should be open to be taught by every follower of Jesus Christ, not that I always agree, but that I am open to receive a blessing from all, no matter what their social status.

Some of the most life-changing learnings that I have known were because I was blessed by people who were quite different from me, in almost every way.  We were different yet one because of our love-bond with Jesus.  That relationship to Jesus results in a completely open spirit, ready to learn ever deeper and more consequential thing from others.  To be taught by one’s own culture is not necessarily spiritual experience, just normal cultural learning.  But when we learn no matter the social standing of those who lead us into more faith-centered knowledge of Christ Jesus, that, friend, is a miracle indeed.

I feel humbly blessed by having been thrust into African cultures that were strange to me.  I cannot begin to tell of the impact those believers had on me.  I do not believe I could write these words had it not been for the formational blessings I received from believers who did not share my social class at all.  I thank God often for opening my heart to learn from all sincere believers, living or departed.  All are there to break my pride and tenderize my learning spirit.