WordLive - Year OneVoorbeeld

Prepare: Light a candle to remind yourself of God’s light that reaches into dark places. Ask him to help you understand today’s reading.

Obedience is the key
John now enlarges on the message he gave in yesterday’s reading. First Jesus’ death upon the cross is the atonement for our sins and the sins of everyone in the world (v 2). Second, obedience is the key to knowing Jesus (v 3).

John speaks very plainly when he says that those who do not obey Jesus’ commands do not know him, whatever they may say (v 4). If we say that we love Jesus, that he is Lord of our lives, then we must live and behave as Jesus did (v 6).

Committed love
John is talking directly to you and me as ‘his children’, however old or young we may be, whether we are male or female (vs 12–14). In Matthew 22:37,38 and 39, Jesus gives us the two great commandments – to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbour as ourselves.

This is not the love which is all hugs, kisses and decorated hearts, but a deep commitment of our will. Such commitment brings a willingness to be obedient to God’s will. Then, when we ‘walk as Jesus did’ (v 6), we will be seen to be in the light and in fellowship with him.

Respond: ‘Dear Father, your love is big enough for all. Please help me to enlarge my heart and so love my neighbours, wherever and whoever they may be. Amen.’

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-09-25