We are living in an age that is not merely confused about truth—it is openly hostile to it.

Another incident involving federal law enforcement (ICE) recently occurred, where a protester showed up armed, attempted to draw that handgun while resisting arrest, and was shot. Of course, before facts could be carefully examined, the internet erupted with outrage, accusations, and emotionally charged narratives. Videos circulated within minutes. Headlines are already being written without an investigation. Mobs formed and have become violent without a single bit of evidence.

This pattern has become so common that it hardly surprises us anymore. But it should sober us.

The Anatomy of a Narrative

According to initial reports, the individual involved was armed, obstructed officers, resisted detention, and attempted to draw a firearm during a physical struggle. Those details matter. Context matters. Sequence matters.

But in the modern outrage culture, facts are secondary to feelings. A dramatic narrative spreads faster than a verified report. A viral clip outruns a detailed investigation. Emotional narrative trumps even looking for facts.

This is not accidental. It is profitable, ideological, and deeply human.

And Scripture tells us exactly why.

A Biblical Diagnosis of the Human Heart

Jesus said:

“And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, lest his deeds be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been done by God.” —John 3:19–21 (LSB)

This passage isn’t merely about preferences. It is a massive judgment on human nature.

The Problem Is Not Ignorance—It Is Love

Jesus does not say that men are confused about the light. He says they love darkness. That is moral affection, not cognitive deficiency.

Scripture consistently affirms this:

• “There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God.” (Romans 3:10–11, LSB)
• “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, LSB)
• “The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God.” (Romans 8:7, LSB)

Unregenerate humanity prefers narratives that justify anger, confirm bias, and excuse rebellion. Truth threatens autonomy. Truth exposes motives. Truth calls for repentance.

So fallen man chooses darkness—not because he cannot see the light, but because he does not want to.

Light Exposes, and Exposure Feels Like Judgment

Verse 20 is a stake to the heart: “Everyone who does evil hates the Light… lest his deeds be exposed.”

Truth is uncomfortable. It strips away excuses. It confronts ideology. It dismantles identity built on falsehood.

Scripture repeatedly shows this dynamic:

• “Whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness.” (1 John 2:11, LSB)
• “They suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18, LSB)
• “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.” (Proverbs 18:13, LSB)

That is why careful investigation is often mocked, why nuance is rejected, and why emotional certainty is preferred. Light feels like condemnation to those who love darkness.

Regenerate Hearts Move Toward Truth

Verse 21 provides hope: “He who practices the truth comes to the Light.”

The believer, born again by the Spirit, is drawn toward truth, even when it humbles, corrects, or confronts.

• “For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” (Ephesians 5:8–11, LSB)
• “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, LSB)
• “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130, LSB)

Regeneration produces a new appetite—a hunger for reality as God defines it. Christians should be the most careful thinkers, the least reactionary, the most committed to evidence, context, and charity.

Truth vs. Violence vs. Hope

The contrast could not be clearer:

• Violence and chaos thrive on misinformation and emotional escalation.
• Narratives spread faster than facts in a culture engineered for outrage.
• Investigation requires patience, humility, and submission to reality.
• Hope comes only from light—ultimately from Christ Himself.

Scripture warns against mob-driven folly:

• “The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17, LSB)
• “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15, LSB)

The world runs on outrage cycles. The church must run on truth.

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Coming to the Light

When Christ came into the world, He did not merely offer information; He revealed reality. He exposed sin, confronted false righteousness, and declared Himself the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

The natural heart recoils from this exposure. Darkness feels safer. Narratives that justify self feel comforting. Emotional certainty feels empowering.

But light is grace.

• For the unbeliever, light reveals the need for repentance and faith (Acts 26:18).
• For the believer, light sanctifies, corrects, and shapes us into Christ’s image (John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18).