9/7 - 1 John 1-2

Much of the emphasis in these first two chapters seems to be on reassurance of personal salvation and knowing that we are in God's will, or as John phrases it, "walking in the light" (1:7).  John also ties this into our fellowship with Him and with one another in verses 3 and 6 of chapter 1.  The key to meaningful spiritual fellowship, not only with God but with each other, is our common faith, rooted in the knowledge, the assurance that comes from the Spirit, that Jesus is the Son of God and did everything that He did on our behalf.  When I consider these things, it is immensely encouraging to know that I share a fellowship, a common understanding with other believers that goes deeper than physical or emotional bonds.  It's almost like a knowing glance from a friend you know very well--no words need to be spoken to communicate that glance.  The same is true with my Christian brothers and sisters--we can discuss issues, talk about things of substance and do the work of the ministry with an unspoken understanding that we believe the same things and that at the deepest core of who we are we're all His, purchased by grace.

9/8 - 1 John 3-4

There seems to be a progression here.  John takes us from our knowledge of God, or our faith in Him, to the necessarily integral aspect of action.  What he says, in effect, is if we are true believers that belief, that faith and confidence in God will be borne out in action, specifically in terms of loving our fellow believers (3:18).  So not only does our action in love serve the purpose of edifying our brothers and sisters in Christ (and unbelievers as well), but it also provides evidence of our salvation, building our faith.  In addition, John draws a sharp line between the world's attitude toward us, possible hatred (3:13), and what should be our attitude toward each other, overwhelming love and concern as measured by the standard, the epitome of love, Jesus (3:16).  Thinking about these things, I'm simultaneously overwhelmed by the vastness of the love that Jesus showed (it is beyond comprehension), motivating praise to Him, and prompted to examine myself and my acquaintances to see if there are any areas in which God is desirous that I should show his love.  I have confidence in the fact that it is His will that I show love towards all that I can, and especially my fellow believers, so that if I ask Him what He requires of me in this, I know that He will tell me.

9/9 - 1 John 5

Reading this chapter I was apprehended by John's reference to God's commands and God's will in two verses, 5:2-5 and 5:14-15.  John writes of us overcoming the world; that is, not operating according to the world's system, which leads to sin and death, but according to God's, which is love and life.  And we know that if our hearts are right before Him and we are obedient to His will, or commands, then we will be operating in love, be able to ask anything we need of Him, and in doing so be acting wholly in manner of the kingdom, that is, in love.  Naturally more than anything this makes me want to get my heart right before God.  It motivates me to listen that He might tell me those areas in me which are not in accord with His character and righteousness.  I depend on Him to purify me and on His voice and His Word to show me the right course of action to take.  Oh how I want and need this.  To live completely in love, to know that every spiritual blessing is available to us for the accomplishment of His will and the furtherance of His fame--the fact that this is available to us just blows me away.