Albert Barnes Commentary 1 John 2:10

"He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him." — 1 John 2:10 (ASV)

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light. He has true religion and enjoys it.

And there is none occasion of stumbling in him. The marginal reading is scandal. In Greek, it is "and there is no stumbling" [or scandal—skandalon—in him]. The word used here means anything against which one strikes or stumbles, and then a stumbling block, an impediment, or anything that causes a fall. It is then used in a moral or spiritual sense, denoting that which is the cause of falling into sin (see Matthew 5:29 and Romans 14:13).

Here it refers to an individual regarding his treatment of others and means that there is nothing, as far as he is concerned, to lead him into sin—Rob. Lex. If he has love for the brethren, he has true religion. Consequently, as far as the influence of this love extends, there is nothing that will be the cause of his falling into sin in his conduct towards them, for love worketh no ill to his neighbour (Romans 13:10).

His course will be just, upright, and benevolent. He will have no envy towards them in their prosperity and will not be inclined to detract from their reputation in adversity. He will have no feelings of exultation when they fall and will not be inclined to take advantage of their misfortunes. Loving them as brethren, he will in no way be tempted to do them wrong.

In the heart of one who loves his brother, the destructive passions of envy, malice, hatred, and uncharitableness can have no place. At the same time, this love for the brethren would significantly affect his whole Christian life and walk. Indeed, few things will have more influence on a person's character in keeping him from doing wrong than the love of what is good and pure. He who truly loves good people will not likely go astray in any respect from the paths of virtue.