1 John 2: 1-6

1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Questions to consider:

• Since John does not teach sinless perfection nor a life of licentiousness, what does he teach?
• To what extent are you experiencing God’s forgiveness when you sin?
• What criteria does John give for knowing you are a Christian?
• How did Jesus Christ walk?

Possibilities for prayer:

The challenge to live as Jesus did is one not easily met. Jesus lived a life without sin, with love for all, and in constant pursuit of heavenly justice. Even though we inevitably fall short of this call, we can be at peace with the knowledge that we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. Today, let’s ask for the courage to respond to the challenge to live lives that look like Jesus’s. It will not be easy, but this is what we are being called into by God. Let’s ask for the ability to love when we don’t want to love, and to pursue justice even when it is uncomfortable. Let’s ask God to transform our hearts so that our desire is for God’s love to be made complete in us.