Daily Bread 2010 - 1 John 2
Daily Bread 2010 – 1 John 2
Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
When we first read verses 3-6 we might think it seems a little harsh. It says, “Whoever says I know him but does not do what he commands is a liar and the truth is not in this person.” This seems like a throwback to the Old Testament laws, which God’s people could never measure up to.
Fortunately the author of 1 John clears it up a little in verses 7-8. He clarifies that this is not just a “repackaging” of the old commands, but a new command. So the question becomes in what way is it new?
First of all it is a new truth, and this truth is seen in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”, in John 14:6. And importantly now that we have come to know Jesus through faith, this truth is now in us. Whereas the Ten Commandments were chiseled on clay tablets, now God through the Holy Spirit has now written these commandments on our hearts.
Finally, God’s desire is that the whole world would know this truth by His light shining in and through us. Jesus’ light pierced the darkness and His light is now in the world, but as we obey God’s commands, His light shines brighter. Practically this is accomplished as we love one another as God has loved us. What does this mean?
It means loving each other “unconditionally”. As we love each other, God’s light shines brighter and more and more people are attracted to it. If there is no “love factor” in Christian community, why would anyone want to become part of it? Think of someone who could use some of this type of love in your community. Christmas time can be a hard time for those who have suffered loss throughout the year. We can shine brightly by loving those God has called us to and draw more people to experience God’s unconditional love even those in our own community of faith.
Jesus thank you for drawing us into the light of your love, by your own example of sacrificial love. Help us to obey your commands as a way of responding to your great love and realizing that you have our best interests in mind as you have know written Your law on our hearts. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
When we first read verses 3-6 we might think it seems a little harsh. It says, “Whoever says I know him but does not do what he commands is a liar and the truth is not in this person.” This seems like a throwback to the Old Testament laws, which God’s people could never measure up to.
Fortunately the author of 1 John clears it up a little in verses 7-8. He clarifies that this is not just a “repackaging” of the old commands, but a new command. So the question becomes in what way is it new?
First of all it is a new truth, and this truth is seen in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”, in John 14:6. And importantly now that we have come to know Jesus through faith, this truth is now in us. Whereas the Ten Commandments were chiseled on clay tablets, now God through the Holy Spirit has now written these commandments on our hearts.
Finally, God’s desire is that the whole world would know this truth by His light shining in and through us. Jesus’ light pierced the darkness and His light is now in the world, but as we obey God’s commands, His light shines brighter. Practically this is accomplished as we love one another as God has loved us. What does this mean?
It means loving each other “unconditionally”. As we love each other, God’s light shines brighter and more and more people are attracted to it. If there is no “love factor” in Christian community, why would anyone want to become part of it? Think of someone who could use some of this type of love in your community. Christmas time can be a hard time for those who have suffered loss throughout the year. We can shine brightly by loving those God has called us to and draw more people to experience God’s unconditional love even those in our own community of faith.
Jesus thank you for drawing us into the light of your love, by your own example of sacrificial love. Help us to obey your commands as a way of responding to your great love and realizing that you have our best interests in mind as you have know written Your law on our hearts. In Your name we pray, Amen.
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