This week we start a new book, 1 John. It's short, but packed with important things. Monday and Tuesday's readings focus on "walking in the light." In chapter 1, John plainly sets out that God is light (truth and righteousness) and that there is no darkness (sin) in Him at all. Then he goes on to tell us that we need to walk in the light, too. Now maybe you're thinking How can I possibly accomplish that? Well, you can't on your own. But God had a plan to take care of that. He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to live with us, then die on the cross for our sins (every single one of them) and be raised from the dead so that we can be victorious over sin.
John hits really hard that we shouldn't be sinning. So does that mean that you'll never sin again, or that if you do you're not really saved? No. First John 2:1 says, "But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Only Christ was and is perfect. We're human and we will still sin. Here's the thing, though, when we come to know Christ as our Savior, our lifestyle and actions should change. People should notice a difference and we definitely should.
So be encouraged today that you can "walk in the light." We all struggle with temptation and sin--every day. But God knows exactly what you're going through (Hebrews 2:18) so remember to ask for His help. Think about it. What are you asking God for today? Tami W.
Hi Tami,
The readings so far are motivating me to really think about what it means to really "love" someone else. To be selfless, merciful, humble, and giving are all signs that I am genuinely loving another person. The real test comes when we are called to love someone who is not easy to love. This is when the test becomes difficult. I pray that God will soften my heart so that when these times come I will be able to show Christ's love to someone else in a way that they see Him in me. I have not done very well in this area as I am a selfish person by nature. But I can feel God working in my life and gently teaching me this truth. I am excited to hear God's voice in this teaching. Thanks for all the questions also. They are very helpful in searching within myself.
In Christ,
Tonya
Tami and All,
I'm hoping that someone will tell me that loving our "brother" is one of the commands that God knows we are incapable of unless the Holy Spirit empowers us. There are some really un-love-ly persons out there. Even when I hear that love is not an emotion, but an act of the will, I still wonder, "How?" I have found comfort in praying for an individual that I am commanded to love, but to be truthful, (and God already knows my heart) I'd rather be vindictive. I'm ashamed and I confess and I pray and I cry, and I am truly sincere, but just when I feel all warm and fuzzy, I am once again infuriated and blown away by the audacity of this person. I want to be all that the Lord calls me to be, but I honestly don't know how, when it comes to this matter.
Hi Tami,
I listen to Back To The Bible just about every day and just found your blog. I am very encouraged. This is such a wonderful idea as we all need encouragement to continue in the word. I am hoping to send some of my loved ones to this blog as well.
I think it is really important to Love one another. Yes, nobody is perfect, except Jesus Christ. I believe that (We) are all sinners, and fall short of the Glory of God. But I also believe that (We) don't have to live in sin, when we sin, we ask Jesus to forgive us, and then believe that He has forgiven us, and than move on. It doesn't mean that we do not sin, but we do not have to live in sin.
And to Love one another, Tami is so right on that one, We can't do it alone.
We need to ask Jesus for His help, and He will help us. Glory to God, and Halleluja.
Greetings;
What am I asking God for today:
To love and see each person I see today as He does.
To let His light shine through me, so others see Him in me.
To search my heart and make it pure.
In everything I do this day be for His honor and glory!!!
Hi Tami:
Thanks again for the blog and the e-mailed devotionals each morning. They are great!
I’m gad for the study on 1 John. I used to see 1 John as a book of promises designed to give assurance of salvation. My understanding of 1 John has changed somewhat. Yes, there are still promises. Yes the book is designed to provide assurance of a new life. But 1 John is chalk full of challenges. It is almost as though John is writing to say “You don’t know that you are a Christian because you prayed a prayer, but because you see evidence of a changed life.” He then proceeds to give us numerous evidences of that changed life.
The challenge then is to see the evidences in my life. Do I love the world? Do I love my brother? Do I? And the list goes on. I know that salvation is only by faith and that I can’t earn my way into heaven by doing the things shown here. Rather they are outward evidences of an inward change.
The challenge is to use 1 John as a check up. How am I doing? Do I see these evidences in my life? Is the faith that I profess to have in fact a faith that I do possess?
Does anyone else see the book as a spiritual check up?
Thanks again!
I certainly agree with you insurance guy, I am now seeing the 1 John as a spiritual check list. I do have a question in regard to loving the world. There is so much in the world that sickens me such as the violence, disregard for God, the greed, etc.; however, is it wrong to enjoy the world as God created? Because I also see many things that I really enjoy, such as the awesomeness of God's handiwork. Just a thought.