Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 John 2:15

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." — 1 John 2:15 (ASV)

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.

Your affections are meant for something better than these transient and defiled things; so do not let your heart's love flow out to things so soiled and base. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

These two things are such deadly opposites that they cannot live together. Where the love of the Father is, the love of the world cannot be. There is no room in us for two loves. The love of the world is essentially idolatry, and God will not be worshipped side by side with idols.

If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Does not that text draw a very sharp distinction between those who love the Lord and those who do not love Him?

Remember, children of God, that this is the language of John, the apostle of love; but true love is honest, outspoken, heart-searching, heart-trying. Do not imagine that there is any love for your souls in the heart of the preacher who preaches smooth things, and who flatters you with his "Peace, peace," when there is no peace. No, the highest, deepest, most heaven-inspired love is that which searches and tries the heart, lest there should be any deception there.