Purify ourselves of envy, jealousy, and murder.

1 John 3:12 not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous. In the previous verse, John told his readers that they were to love one another. In previous verses, he had declared that loving one’s brother is characteristic of all true believers. In this verse, we can see that John had a contrast in mind. The love believers have for their brother is like Jesus has for His brothers, not like Cain had for his brother. Although Cain and Abel came from the same earthly father, they didn’t have the same spiritual father. Cain’s father was the evil one, which was evident by his evil deeds. Abel’s father was God, which was evident by his righteous deeds. In this verse, John highlighted the jealousy, hatred, and murder expressed by Cain to his brother should never be expressed between brothers and sisters in Christ. Implied is this: As you live and practice righteousness (love) with your brothers and sisters in Christ, you are going to see people loving in ways that perhaps outshine you. It is evil to let your brother’s mature love make you jealous, envious, or angry at him. Without realizing it, you may find yourself putting your brother under microscopic judgment, hoping to find some fleshly weakness or fault, a discrepancy or compromise. We must be on the alert that because we feel guilty about some things we are or aren’t doing, due to our immaturity, that we don’t come under the influence of the evil one who was a murderer from the beginning. What is the difference in spirit from someone who cancels his fellowship with a brother because his righteousness convicts him of his immaturity and someone who takes his brother’s life? There is no difference. The love of Christ between brothers in Christ sanctifies us from that jealous, hateful, murderous spirit. As we practice loving with Jesus, let’s remember our love for one another has been purified so that we love like Jesus loves. In the the 3rd verse of this chapter John wrote, “Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” May we purify ourselves from all envy, jealousy, hatred, and murder. Let us love one another.