Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

1, 2, and 3 John are some of my favorite books in the Bible. The letters, written by John to the earliest Christians, center on God's love, which covers sin, convicts of sin, and calls Christ-followers to love each other (and all others) in response. I find comfort in knowing these letters were written by "the beloved disciple," an imperfect man who was certain of Jesus's unconditional love for him. His confidence encourages me! 

John's words in these opening chapters remind us of two great truths: God is light, and God is love. To walk with Him means leaving behind the shadows of sin and living truthfully in His presence. Yet John does not write this as an impossible burden. He acknowledges that sin is real and that believers will sin! Even as we experience the great love of God and desire to live like Jesus, we will at times fail to love God, ourselves, and others well in our thoughts, words, and actions. 

But instead of despair, John points us to our hope (confidence) in Christ: our Advocate, the Righteous One who stands before God on our behalf. Because of Jesus, God is faithful to forgive us and to "cleanse" us from all sin (1 John 1:9). What a comfort to know that our forgiveness rests not on our own performance but on Christ's finished work. 

When we fail, the enemy would have us hide in shame and fear of punishment, but the Holy Spirit calls us into the light; to confess (approaching the throne of grace boldly even! Hebrews 4:16), to receive forgiveness, and to move forward in love and grace.

John also reminds us that this love and grace are not just for ourselves! He ties our experience of God's love and forgiveness to how we treat others. God's love is not meant to be hoarded but expressed through forgiveness, patience, service, and kindness; all we have received through our relationship with Jesus. The world will know we are His, not by words but by the love we demonstrate (2 John 1:6). This kind of outward, active, hands-on love is hard, and it is the way. 

I have noticed that the more I remember God's kindness, patience, and forgiveness towards me, the greater my capacity to offer kindness, patience, and forgiveness to others. Remembering how I am loved compels me to love others (even my "enemies"). Remembering I am forgiven compels me to forgive others! Remembering God's patience empowers me to be patient with others. Remembering that His kindness led me to repentance compels me to extend kindness in the place of judgment toward others. 

Maybe you're wondering, "What about the truth? John repeatedly calls Believers to walk in love AND truth!" Here's what I have discovered about truth: Love is always the path to truth. In the words of my husband, Gray, "We must first build bridges that can handle the weight of truth." Love changes how we speak truth and how others receive it. In other words, our tangible love must speak as loudly as the truth; otherwise, people cannot hear it. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you; You are light and there is no darkness in You. Thank You for Jesus, my Advocate, who pleads my case when I stumble. Help me to live openly before You, not hiding in shame but confessing in faith. Fill me with Your love so that I may reflect it to others, walking in both love and truth as Your child. Amen.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

James Weekly Verse Challenge

Want to go beyond just reading God's Word? Want to take action? As we study the Book of James in the "Faith That Works" message series, we encourage you to do more than read the theme verse. Each week, we challenge you to memorize the verse and put it into action. Beginning Monday, October 6, we will text the weekly verse on a downloadable wallpaper on Monday mornings. Download the mobile wallpaper to your phone and memorize the weekly verse as you strive to live it daily. 

Text "JAMES" to 601-299-4493 to receive each week's theme verse.