1 & 2 & 3 John – Page 3

1 John 3:16 – Real Love

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)

We are weeks away from celebrating Easter as I reflect on this verse. How powerful its significance while walking with Jesus to the cross. I can’t fully wrap my head around God’s love for us, can you? Jesus’ actions define real love in a way nothing else could.

Context: John’s teaching here is all about love, but he is focusing on how we are to love each other. For us to know how to do that, we need only look to Jesus and his example on the cross. That’s why this verse is so important. It helps keep us on track, putting into perspective what love looks like. Continue reading “1 John 3:16 – Real Love”

1 John 1:8-9 – Confess It!

“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:8-9)

I was baptized and confirmed Lutheran, so this memory verse is very familiar. Growing up, the pastor would say these words every week during the Confession/Forgiveness part of our liturgy or order of worship. My mind was blown when years later I realized the pastor was quoting scripture.

Context: 1 John 1 is not a very long chapter, but John includes a lot of wisdom here. He shares more about Jesus’ teachings about sin not already contained in his gospel. It speaks of living in the light and how we mustn’t hide our sin but rather confess it. It is then that we are forgiven. Continue reading “1 John 1:8-9 – Confess It!”

1 John 1:5-10 ? Be Cleansed, Be Free!

Read 1 John 1:5-10

We all do it. We walk around lugging our baggage behind us while we miss out on the life of freedom God desires for us. Why do we do it? Good question. I’ve got my theories, and I’d love to hear yours.

Our baggage may simply be the lies we’ve told ourselves so long we almost believe them, like we’re not good enough. Perhaps they are doubts we can’t face, sins we can’t forgive ourselves for, excuses for not taking action. Guilt may also be the baggage robbing you of your joy. But there is good news.

3 John 1:1-15 – Good and Bad Examples

Read 3 John 1:1-15

Do you feel like you were reading someone else’s letter here? Again, the elder (presumably John) has written to a friend. This letter has found it’s way into the Bible on purpose. There is a message here for us. Did you see it? There are probably several things we can take away from this reading. If I miss one, please leave me a comment.

When we get beyond the normal letter format, including the salutation and wishes for health, we learn that John is happy with his friend, Gaius. John says, “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” That is true for us, too, isn’t it? We always want what’s best for our children or for individuals we have nurtured.

2 John 1:1-13 – Live in Truth

Read 2 John 1:1-13

If you knew that your friends or loved ones were in danger, you would let them know, right? I think of weather alerts that attempt to educate the public of an incoming storm or potential for severe weather. Sometimes we tend to ignore those reports because they often seem exaggerated. I remember school being cancelled because there was a threat of ice followed by heavy show, and then no precipitation came. I also know for some dear friends of ours, heeding the tornado warning in our little town was the difference between life and death.

So why do we often ignore the warnings? Do we think we know better? John is attempting to warn a friend of his in the reading we have today. We easily consumed one whole book of the Bible in this one entry. However, the message should be taken seriously and can serve us way into the future.