1 John 3

The message in this book is so encouraging and continues to constantly remind me of two important things: Jesus and loving others.

1 John 3:1-3
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know  us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

The fact that God has still chosen us to be a part of His kingdom is mindblowing. I'm only a mere human being who often stumbles into sin yet He continues to be gracious and accepting. How great is the love of the Father! Knowing that the gift of the Spirit dwelling in us is hope that I can look forward to as it is a counsellor who guides me and rescues me from the darkness.

1 John 3:5
But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

Jesus was a perfect, holy man who did not deserve the punishment that he endured on behalf of humankind. He paid for all sin that was ever to be done from now till Judgement Day. He took on the pain and suffering that no one would be able to endure...but now we are free from the world. We are given new life, new hope, new birth in Christ.

1 John 3:7
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 

There are many things in the world that can cause us to walk off the path of righteousness. Greed, jealousy, gossip, anger... these cause us to stumble. When we look the the Holy Word it keeps us on track. Our minds align with that of Christ so that we can be strong against these sinful feelings and remain true in the Lord.

1 John 3:10
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. 

Love one another in speech, deeds, and thoughts. If we all strive to do that in every moment then it will result in us doing what's good in God's eyes.

1 John 3:13
Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

It's scary to know but it speaks truth. There will be people who will judge, exclude, or persecute you for your faith. We have to stand firm and find God in these times, knowing that He will give us the strength and perseverance to get through those tough times.

1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Jesus gave up his life for the broken, the wicked, and the needy. If we are to be disciples and imitate him in all aspects then we should try and develop a heart that is also willing to step in for our brothers and sisters. Laying down your life for a stranger may seem to be so hard, but Jesus did it without question. Do we even try and consider? I personally don't and it's my mentality that I really need to change.

1 John 3:21-23
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

Application: place your trust and confidence in God, knowing that Christ has already freed us from the guilt and shame of sin. Love one another, let it be an overflow from the love the Father has for us.