Faith without religion.
1 John 2:1-6: Advocacy, Commandments, and Love
In our recent teaching, we delved into the profound insights of 1 John 2:1-6, where John provides a clear framework for understanding our relationship with God. He begins by reminding us of the advocacy of Jesus Christ, the righteous, who is the propitiation for our sins and those of the whole world. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how we can truly know God.
John emphasizes that knowing God is evidenced by keeping His commandments. He warns that claiming to know God without following His commandments makes one a liar, devoid of truth. The essence of this knowledge is love—loving others as Christ loved us. This love is the hallmark of a true believer, a sign that God is in us and we are in Him.
John further explains that this love should grow and be perfected in us, reflecting the life and walk of Jesus. It’s not about mere ideas or opinions but about living and acting in love, following Christ’s example. This journey of love and growth is the essence of Christian living, moving beyond self to embody the love of God in a world that desperately needs it.
As we continue to explore these teachings, let us strive to walk as Jesus walked, allowing His love to be perfected in us, and thereby truly knowing Him.