1 John 3
- Journal & Pray. Here are some tools to help you with the devotionals:
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Read & Reflect
1 John 3:11-12, 16
- How does envy thwart brotherly love? What warning should I heed from the example of Cain?
- Think about the two models presented here–Cain or Jesus–and evaluate how they are reflected in my life.
1 John 3:14-15
- To what extent have I personally come to see that “whoever does not love abides in death”?1 John 3:17-18
- What do these verses teach about the nature of love?
- What are some concrete actions by which I can grow to be a more loving person?1 John 3:19-22
John reassures sensitive consciences. Believers should live before God not in trembling anxiety, but in calm confidence.
“[The word truth] points to the truth of the gospel. To know that we belong to the truth is to receive assurance. 20 If our hearts condemn us this is not the significant thing. It is God’s condemnation or approval that matters and he knows everything. He knows our motives and those deeds of love for which we may not dare to take any credit (cf. Mt. 25:37–40). He knows that we are his and it is this that is important, not our misgivings. … 21 The promises of God are such that there is no reason for uncertainty. We can rely on God and have confidence before him. Since we are his we have nothing to fear.” [1]
- How can the fact that “God is greater than my heart” encourage me in my Christian walk?[1] Morris, L. L. (1994). 1 John. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1405). Leicester, Englan; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
