Because he wrote so much about love, some refer to the apostle John as the apostle of love. Three of the five chapters in his first epistle have sections of verses devoted to loving our brethren. A quick summary of what those passages teach would be timely.
- 1 John 2:7-11. Here, John's point is that one cannot hate his brother and, at the same time, walk in the light. One who loves his bother abides in light, but he who hates his brother is in darkness.
- 1 John 3:10-18. Here, we learn that love for our brethren is evidence that we are sons of God (v. 14). One who hates his brother is a murderer and cannot inherit eternal life (v. 15). We also learn that one of the reasons one may hate his brother is that his brother's works are righteous, while his own are evil (v. 12).
- 1 John 4:7-21. This is the fullest discussion of love in 1 John. One who truly loves his brother is born of God and knows God (v. 7). The love that God expressed for mankind by sacrificing His Son serves as an example of how we should love one another (vv. 9-11, 19). If we love our brothers, God dwells in us (vv. 12-16). If we love God, we will also love our brothers (vv. 20-21). This means if a person has a problem loving his brothers, he has a problem loving God. John ended the section with a reminder that love is a command (v. 21).
As used by John in these passages, the term "hate" means a lack of love, and not just to despise, detest, or abhor. Notice that what John called "hate" in 1 John 3:15, he described as "does not love his brother" in the previous verse (v. 14). If that point is true, then unquestionably, one who does despise his brother is wrong!
The word bitterness is closely related to hatred. Paul instructed the Ephesians to put away all bitterness (Ephesians 4:31). This word means "acridity (especially poison)" (Strongs #4088). Arndt and Gingrich includes the word "animosity" (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature 657).
The attitudes and actions of Joseph's brothers illustrate just how far hatred can go. The text says, "...they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him." (Genesis 37:4)
I suppose that everyone reading this article has those who hate him. Those who comprise the Guardian of Truth Foundation are no exception. I have known many of the men associated with the Foundation and the magazine for many years. I began writing for the paper in 1993 at Mike's invitation. I was invited to sit in on board meetings as an advisor and served as a board member. I mention that to say, that during my association with the Foundation I was amused and amazed at the degree and the depth of the resentment toward the good men who are involved with it. I must confess that I don't fully understand why so many love to hate as they do.
There are those who delight in anything that might contribute to the downfall of Truth Magazine and those associated with it. Some openly manifest disdain and ridicule for the magazine. They belittle and malign the names of those who are connected with the magazine and board.
Motives are impugned. There are those who seem to relish embarrassment of this organization. Many seem to be ready to believe any tale told (whether true or not, whether verified or not) that paints the Foundation in a bad light. It is my judgment that some of the recent criticism is based upon who it is. If the matters being criticized were to involve someone else, I have a hard time believing that the critics would be so critical.
Perhaps the reasons for such resentment are varied. I am not blind to what creates enemies. However, I fail to understand the reason for the degree of it. Why some love to hate Truth Magazine to the extent they do is beyond me.
I have heard the stories of the resentment of the Gospel Guardian (and the men associated with it) during the days of the institutional battles. Many who read these lines, like me, are not old enough to remember those days. Others, though, can never forget the bitterness they witnessed.
The Guardian of Truth Foundation is not just a magazine and two bookstores. It is a board of honorable men who have dedicated their lives to furthering the gospel. The animosity shown toward the Foundation is animosity toward these honorable men!
It's one thing to disagree with something one of these men has said or written. But animosity and resentment is another. Challenging a decision may be understandable, but loving to hate brethren and assuming the worst about them is an entirely different matter.
I hope this article challenges its readers to examine their hearts to see if they are harboring any malice, bitterness, or hatred for brethren. This should be a warning to all of us, myself included. We must not allow the actions of our critics to cause us to hate them.
This article (which has been edited) was written by brother Rader a few years ago before he resigned from the board and his position as a staff writer for the Guardian of Truth. I recently attended a gospel meeting where brother Rader was preaching. We had a very good discussion concerning the events that led to his resignation. Brother Rader bears no ill will for the Foundation and still writes articles for the paper. In our discussion, I pointed out that in the past few years, I have been troubled by the ungodly attitudes expressed by those who differ with some of the board members, or the Foundation itself. During private conversations with some of the Foundation's enemies, they have charged some of the board members with dishonesty. Yet, when asked for the proof-none was given. Brethren who truly love one another's souls will take every opportunity to sit down with open minds and Bibles and discuss their differences. Please consider the passages offered in brother Rader's article-read them and let us apply them! (KMG)