1 John 2:9-11
What is written? (ESV)
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
What does it say?
Whoever says he's in the light but hates his brother, he is actually still in darkness. Loving your brother means you're residing in the light and keeps you from stumbling. Whoever hates [does not love] his brother is in the darkness [of sin] and is walking in sin, not knowing where he is going since the sin has blinded his sight.
What is its immediate context?
The Apostle John is writing to Christians to remain steadfast. After commanding them to “walk in the light” (1:7) and reminding them that they are “not of this world” (vs 16), he calls to their attention those who are personally antagonistic to Jesus (“antichrist” vs 22) and His teaching. He marks those false teachers and implores his “children” to “let what you heard from the beginning abide in you” (vs 24).
How 1 John 2:9-11 is applied across Bible answers
What is the result of sin?
Sin, and continuing in it, can blind us from knowing the path of truth.
Someone is only in fellowship with God if they are "walking in the light" by "practicing the truth". (1:6-7)
