Reading
1 JOHN 2:12-17
12 I am writing to you who are God’s children
because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.
13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14 I have written to you who are God’s children
because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
and you have won your battle with the evil one.
15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Reflection
- In verses 12-14, John is writing to believers of all ages. Whether you consider yourself to be young or mature in the faith, you have work to do and are created to live in community. Who in your life can you share your faith with? What temptations are you facing that you need to share within biblical community?
- Reflect on verses 15-17. What values are most important to you? Do your actions reflect the world’s values or God’s values?