DEC 25

1 John 2:1-6
Memorise 1 John 2:5
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments”

John 2:4-5 show us that it is our walk that is important, and not just our talk. There will be people around us who profess Christ, attend church and even be active in fellowship groups but who never really come to a saving knowledge of God. It is scary. They grow up, work and pursue careers and may become very successful but they never come back to church. It is vitally important therefore that we make sure that that we are in Him. In our memory verse above, we are told that whosoever abides in Christ and who will never fall away are those who truly keep God’s Word. They obey God’s commandments. Sometimes we may fail but we repent, confess and continually seek to please Him. God forgives us when we do that and we move on, pressing toward the mark of His high calling daily. When that happens, this verse tells us that the love of God is perfected in us. The word “perfected” has the idea of fulfilled. It is God accomplishing what He wants to do with His love. We show our love for God by obeying his commandments. In this manner, God’s love is perfected in us. Thus we must manifest our love for God by keeping His Word. True love for God is not expressed in sentimental language or emotional experience. It is expressed in trusting and obeying Him. Love delights to do God’s will. Jesus delighted to do His Father’s will for he said, “My meat is do the will of Him that sent me”(John 4:34) and so, if we’re like Jesus, then we will love to do God’s will as well. Our obedience will show our true love to God and that we are of God.

Dearest teen, are you living in accordance to God’s Word? If you have no desire to do so. John is saying to you now that you are not a Christian. The way is still open for you to come to Jesus. Acknowledge your sins and come to Jesus for grace to help in time of need.

On the other hand, there might be some of you who have imperfections in your lives. Do not despair. John is not asking for perfect obedience to God’s Word. All of us sin daily. As we examine ourselves and resolve to repent, we need to seek God’s help to do better.

Thought: A Christian lives in accordance with the teaching of Scripture, not the norms of the world.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, if I have not separated myself from the lust and pleasures of the world, convict me and show me my folly. Grant me grace that I may repent and turn from the world and turn to seek the glories and eternal joys of Christ.