My Bible Reading Reflections

John again reminds his readers that if they claim to be believers then they must not continue to sin. This is referring to persisting in a particular sin, as opposed to never sinning again in their life. It is important for Christians to turn from their sin immediately when it is bought to their attention, however many of us often persist and don't repent when we should. We must learn to repent immediately!

There are also some strong words directed towards though who do not love their brothers. If we hate our brothers then we are murderers and no murderer has eternal life in him. The only hate in the life of a Christian should be the hatred of sin and injustice. We should never hate people, especially fellow believers. It's so sad when we see churches split and fall apart through hatred. This should not be so.

It's not always easy to love but if we are willing and chose to show his love, then God can give us his grace to help us.

As with the first chapter in his letter John is very black and white in his comments. If you know God you will obey him, if you do not obey him you do not know him! Are you claiming to be a believer - then walk as Jesus did. Tough and challenging words!

So how do we respond to this? Well we can give up or we can cry out to God for mercy and ask him to give us the grace and desire to change and be more Christ like. Living the Christian faith out day to day is not easy, it's challenging. Loving those who annoy us is difficult.

John encourages us to continue in him so that when Christ appears we may be confident and unashamed. Let's make this our goal each day.