Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

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Read

1 John 2:12-17     (NRSV)

I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.
I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young people,
because you have conquered the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young people,
because you are strong
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world.  And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.

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Reflect

John is addressing every member of the church. John recognizes that everyone is at a different stage in their faith journey. Yet we all share the same forgiveness and love of God. God does not love us any greater as we advance in our understanding. He loved us at the beginning of our journey in Christ just as we were.

As God loves us, we are to love our Christian brothers and sisters. Love sounds good in theory. Let us face facts, sometimes it is very difficult to love as we need to love. Someone has annoying habits that grate on us, another person says the wrong thing at the wrong time or another person thinks he or she should be in charge of everything. We have probably been annoyed at someone in the church in the past or present.
The one thing I remind myself of is that I have annoyed others in the past. I am not perfect. I strive to show people the grace that God and others have shown me in the past.

John reminds us that we are to place God above the things of this earth. Relationships are far more important than material things. An object cannot comfort you, laugh with you, or share experiences.

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Pray

God help me see others as you see them. So many people are carrying hidden wounds. Please help me to be a part of the healing process for this world. Illuminate my wisdom in my thoughts and actions toward others. Amen.

Go with God!