Did you know that?
Think about it….what is darkness? It’s not a thing, it’s the absence of a thing: LIGHT.
And cold….again, the absence of something: HEAT.
Hatred….the absence of LOVE.
Why is this important? Because it’s a great metaphor for God inside us…in the world around us…and the way His truth & love interact with us in this fallen, broken world. We tend to throw lots of time & energy into things that don’t exist….and wonder why we struggle with anger & depression & disillusionment. If we fail to invest into those things that offer light and heat in a dark & cold world, then we will end up seeking false hopes…trying to find peace & contentment & meaning in people, things, activities that will never give them. If we react to the lovelessness inside us by turning against those who hurt us, we fall prey to the trap of bitterness and hatred. In the end, all these things are mirages, shadows cast by untruths.
The way of Jesus is often opposite to our instincts & impulses:
- ”Find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them…But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible…Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:10-16)
- “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
- “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)
- “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-45)
