By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.  1 John 2:5-6 HCSB

The heat of this time of the year has many of us wishing for colder weather. Some networks are showing Christmas movies and some like to celebrate Christmas in July. At Christmas time we speak of spreading love and cheer and good tidings. As Christians, we are expected to spread the love of Christ. Spreading Christ’s love is good, it’s like spreading peanut butter and jelly on a delicious sandwich or like spreading yummy icing on a cake.

Sometimes people spread bad things like negativity, bitterness, hatred, anger, and gossip. These things are not so good, spreading them is more like spreading a contagious disease like Covid-19 or a nasty case of the flu.

But I want you to take a moment and think about what it is that you are spreading. Are you spreading God’s love and peace and joy? Our scripture passage tells us that when we keep God’s word and His commandments that His love is perfected in us. Our love for others is what spreads and shows others that we are Christ followers.

Are you spreading strife? Proverbs 16:28 tells us that a dishonest man spreads strife and a whisperer separates close friends. Proverbs 10:12 tells us that hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. In 2 Timothy 2:23-25 we are told that we should have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies because they breed quarrels and the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.

Are you spreading anger and bitterness? We are told in Hebrews 12:15 to see to is that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. Ephesians 4:31 tells us to let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Are you spreading gossip? Psalm 101:5 says that whoever slanders his neighbor secretly, God will destroy. Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us that one of the six things that the Lord hates is one who sows discord among brothers. Titus 3:1-2 says, Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle showing every consideration for all men.

Whether we realize it or admit it or not, we are usually spreading something. I encourage you today to spread God’s love. God knows, what we need more of today is His love. There is plenty enough hatred, bitterness, and anger to go around. We will either feed into that and be part of the problem or we will spread God’s love and be a part of the solution.

So when you are speaking with your friends and co-workers or typing something out in a text or through social media, be careful about what you are spreading. Ephesians 4:29 tells us to let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth but only that which is good for building up, as fits the occasion that it may give grace to those who hear. Is that what you are about to say or type? If so, carry on. If not, remember Matthew 12:36 that says that on the day of judgment that we will give account for every careless word that we speak. Remember God is listening and reading, so think about what you are spreading.

Have a great day!