Light – Thirty-Seven & Rooted

PART 2 OF 3

Continuing from Part 1, John now begins to speak of love and hatred for fellow believers. If we truly know God is within us, we keep His commands. If we do not keep His commands, the truth is not in us.

Our love for God is complete if we will just obey His Word. That can be a hard thing to do at times. The times I’ve disobeyed His Word have been a disgrace, truly, but haven’t we all disobeyed His commands at some point?

I know that each of us can learn and obey even though it may not be easy. We must live as Jesus did, full of love for one another. It is only then that we know we live in Him, carrying out His Word. Obeying His Word comes as living like Jesus did.

“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” (2:9)

We live in the light when we love one another and live according to God’s will. When we hate, we do not know where we are going because the darkness blinds us spiritually. It can be hard to love others who have hurt us or when they don’t love us back. Just know that you are still doing the right thing by loving and not hating.

That’s a good start for us to learn how to forgive as well. Forgive just as Jesus has forgiven you. There will be nothing to make us stumble if we follow His command on love. Love is a huge thing with God. He wants us to love EVERYONE.

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the Will of God lives forever.” (2:17)

I want to be fulfilled with the Word of God so I can do the Will of God and live forever. John will continue with the warnings against denying Christ. Haven’t we heard before; no truth comes from a lie? As all people have fallen short of the Glory of God, some deny Christ altogether.

We are instructed to do the Will of God. This means to do as it is written and be righteous and uphold God’s covenant. Simply, anything that God asks from us, we do. It really is an important instruction. Just as simple as the decision is for some to obey Christ, it can be a more difficult decision for others.

I am simply providing direction and guidance to anyone that reads according to what the Bible says. I pray for your direction too! For you, my friend, this is an eternal decision and only one that you can make. God never promised us an easy life, but He promises us salvation if we come to Him and live according to His Word.

Amanda Selph

PART 1 OF 3

What better way to start the new year than a study I have done over Christmas break (and maybe a bit longer, haha). I have been working on a long piece from 1 John. Taken from my favorite Bible, “Starting Place Study Bible, NIV.” These blogs will be in 3 parts since they are lengthy. I really hope you stick it out and come back for all 3 pieces. Please share your feelings from this, I would love your feedback. It may not be your exact type of reading, but that’s okay! I hope this series gives your soul a boost to know deep down what a lot of us may or may not even know.

Let me say before I begin, I do not steer from what is in the Bible. I will simply help you understand what it means and give you an encouraging thought and boost of hope. There is a lot in the Bible that we may not understand clearly (I’m still learning the bible too!)

BACKGROUND ON JOHN

John is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, the disciple whom Jesus loved. He never identifies himself, but the traditional view is believed to be the author of 1 John. He heard Him, saw Him, and even touched Him. He knew Jesus as intimately as know our own families, if not better. John’s message was very clear: Jesus came to bring eternal life. He wrote 1 John to impart wisdom and encouragement, helping us align with the Christian faith.

Near the end of the first century, the churches were being threatened by false teachings. He wanted the faithful to be reminded of how true Christians should believe and behave. John was a highly influential witness who emphasized three key points to strengthen our faith. These three points are the correct view of Jesus, obedience to God’s commands, and the importance of loving one another.

LIGHT AND DARKNESS, SIN AND FORGIVENESS

In the beginning of 1 John, he wants us to know what Jesus said about light and darkness, sin and forgiveness. He starts by saying “God is light; In him there is no darkness at all.” (1:5)

Let’s break this down a minute. Light symbolizes God’s moral character. Since God is holy, He remains untainted by any evil or sin. Consequently, those who seek Him must also strive for purity. If we walk in the light and choose fellowship with one another, His Son, Jesus, purifies us from all our sins.

Choosing fellowship means to establish a positive relationship with others and where individuals share a common goal or interest.

We are not living out the truth if we walk in the darkness and claim to have fellowship with him when we do not. I think we have all experienced this at some point. We walk in the dark, alone. Sometimes we feel as if we have no one; so alone, that God feels a universe away.

The truth is, we are never alone.

Chapter 1 states that the truth is not in us if we claim to be without sin. Is it easier to claim to be without sin or confess our sin? Or do we not confess if we don’t believe we sin at all? It is a very personal question we ask ourselves. So important, that it relies on our eternal fate. And that’s okay, I’m here to help you understand.

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and He will purify us from all unrighteousness and he will forgive us. If we make God out to be a liar and claim to have not sinned, His Word is not in us. These truths are taken directly from the Bible; I am still in Chapter 1, where the author warns us of our sins.

Jesus is our atoning sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the whole world. Let us not forget that through Jesus’ mercy and grace, He paid the price at Calvary when He was crucified on the cross. It was a selfless love that provided a way for salvation and forgiveness.

Tag: Light

Good Day, Friends!

Happy New Year Friends!