John welcomes us into his community of believers, calling us “dear” on several occasions. As you read the qualifications of being a child of God, are you a 100% onboard, or do you feel like a “work in progress”? Either way, you have chosen to know more about God and draw closer to Jesus. John’s words give us the assurance we need to know how.
If you’ve ever felt like an outcast in this world, you are not alone. It can be lonely when we find our devotion to Jesus creates a wedge between a friend or loved one. Each day is a day closer to forever with Jesus, and I continue to choose Jesus over any of the shiny objects the world offers. Life can be a slippery slope of temptations.
John knew the same hurt, and he stayed strong in his faith. Thankfully, he tells us how we can set ourselves apart from the world that hates us. Perhaps then, we can focus solely on our future knowing God fully, and the troubles of this world will be no more. We will at last understand God and be with Him. The idea is to keep that “eager expectation” burning.
Can you imagine a life where you’re not a child of God and belong to Him? We all have times in our lives when we stray. Many are still lost and looking for answers. God’s Word tells us of the many benefits we have as his children. The inheritance of heaven is more than one could ever ask for.
Verse 17 stopped me in my tracks. “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” Living in Mexico, we see beggars routinely on the streets. Looking at my own financial situation, I’m far better off than most of these individuals, and God’s love is in me. Am I supposed to give something to all of them? What does the text say? I am to show compassion, and that doesn’t have to be handouts of cash. Many times, I offer up a prayer, give them some food, or just tell them God loves them. That’s compassion, isn’t it?
If you’ve ever used the phrase, “Your actions speak louder than your words,” it seems the concept is Biblical. If we are living for God as John suggests, our actions will back us up and make us recognizable. The world may not approve, but other believers will feel our love and be encouraged. God designed us to be in community, and when we can find and support other believers by acting more like Jesus, we are pleasing God.
What part of John’s counsel did you find most helpful in your season of life? Make sure you take time today to thank God for the Spirit he has placed inside you, your guiding light and sustaining power.
Let’s pray. Father, I love being one of your children. Thank you for filling me with your Spirit so that I can love others and be more like you. Help me to make God-honoring choices with my life. I rely on your power to get me through each day. Thank you for walking beside me through each challenge and success. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
