Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:5-10, 2 John 1:4-11, 3 John 1:1-8, Deuteronomy 15:10-11, Psalm 15:1-5, Matthew 22:34-40
This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we will finish reading the General Epistles and move on to Apocalyptic Literature.
The Books of 1, 2 & 3 John: Written by the apostle John, the books of 1, 2 & 3 John describe how believers are to walk in true fellowship with God, actively loving their brothers and sisters in the faith. He wrote in these three letters that it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to live this obedient life.
How 1, 2 & 3 John Fit into the Story: First John maps out the three main components of saving knowledge of God: faith in Jesus Christ, obedient response to God’s commands, and true love for God and others. This letter shows how Jesus expects His followers to honor Him daily wherever they are.
Second John encourages believers to stay the course, responding to one another with love and the truth of the gospel. This letter challenges readers to remain steadfast in their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, eventually receiving a “full reward” from Him (2Jn 8).
Third John underscores central Christian convictions and testifies to the God-centeredness of the Christian faith. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not mentioned specifically, but in the writer’s view, both were included when referencing God in this letter (3Jn 1, 3–4, 8, 12).
Reflection Questions:
1. How do 1, 2 & 3 John speak to the relationship between genuine faith and loving others? In what area of your life do you struggle to show love to others?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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24 thoughts on "1, 2 & 3 John"
It’s hardest for me to love people that have done something against me personally. When we become offended with naturally become defensive, and then we move right into tearing them down. Why we are right and they are wrong. And usually we are telling this to all of our friends or spouse. I try not to, and immediately check myself but it’s already out there. I tend to say what I think to quickly. And if I am “not building others up with words of encouragement” well, I need to keep my mouth shut.
Being in leadership comes with more against you. You certainly can’t please everyone, even those above you. I just got admonished by one of my leaders. It hurt my feelings for sure. And I immediately told my husband and he made me feel better but it was at her expense. Not the way to go. I have to be humble first and try to reflect why people would say what they say, and see if I need to receive it with purpose.
Other people that are hard to love usually have their hurts underneath and have learned how to live and behave because of that. When we try to see and understand that it helps us love them as Jesus would!
What a convicting question regarding how I struggle to love others! Over the past few months, we’ve had several new patients come into our office with a criminal background. Most I am able to look past, but the most recent one involves crimes against children. It just weighs heavy on my heart each time they come in. Obviously, I treat them no different than any other interaction, but it’s been so difficult. Definitely have been praying the Lord helps me through each interaction!
Yes, I think that is true for all of us. For the ones that come into our “church” at jail, it is a little easier because I know that if we ask for forgiveness God forgives ALL sin with a repentive heart. But for those that are not Believers and of the world, yes, we just love them in a way that God sees them, a lost sinner, that needs him. So we aren’t loving them as who they are, but we see them as lost.
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I need prayer today. Being a mom of preteen boys is not easy and I feel as though I am messing up parenting.
Oh Melissa, we ALL have felt that way! Parenting is the hardest job as they say. It is a busy, and challenging time. Keep in church, and hold tight to boundaries and discipline, that makes all the difference, and pray together! You got this.
Praying!
Praying for you ❤️
Praying, Melissa. This verse came to my mind. “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8. I know I messed up many times as a parent and wish I could do something’s over, BUT GOD! Praying your day turns around and you have a great day with your boys.
Melissa, praying, you are not alone. I encourage you to listen to MumLife Community podcasts (I listen on iheart radio) these are wonderful, Christian, Titus 2 women mentoring moms… so refreshing to hear scripture for what we are going through… my girls are all grown and living on their own, but listening to these podcasts has helped me to mentor others. Blessings
Praying for you and your boys, Melissa ❤️. I am a mom to three boys, all grown now, but remember well the preteen – teen years✨
Stay the course with love, strength, and discipline. The Lord will show you the path✨. Sending much love to you❤️
This part stuck out to me again today, bc it was bothering me yesterday, this indication that there are some who have lost their salvation, who have been deceived and walked away. it’s very confusing for the call to love others, but then don’t greet the ones who have been deceived or welcome them into your house. I don’t know why, but lately Everytime I read there is just something tough in it for me, it’s like all the encouragement and the hope I can’t see, just the things that are convicting. it’s been really frustrating for me.
Maybe there is some hurt there regarding yourself or someone you love. I think it’s okay to wrestle with the Word in this way. It sounds like it is hitting home for you. Does someone come to mind as you read?
I interpreted this as not being intimate with those who are deceived, because unfortunately, they are allowing Satan to work in them and try and deceive others. Sometimes intentionally. You can see this online with people who have been hurt by the Church in some way and are teaching the Bible but using their own idea/doctrine. Basically twisting Scripture and therefore wrongly instructing others. There is a safety in not allowing their influence in our lives in an intimate way by not “welcoming them into our homes.”
Just my thoughts reading! Def something to pray about if it is creating some tension in you! :)
Yes, to Michelles thoughts.
I think the scripture is meant to convict us and challenge us. We too often fall into feel good devotional books and apps. But the Bible is meant to keep us growing with tension and conviction. That’s a good thing. Otherwise we stay complacent right?!
I too had to think on that verse, because aren’t we supposed to love and invite everyone in. Nope, just like Michelle said, we are not to have fellowship/union with those that we are unyoked with, yes, try to love them and give them truth. But just like we tell our kids not to run with the wrong crowd, bad company will corrupt us. It is especially hard if it is family.
Good morning! I have not seen the translation where it was written “dear lady” and I reread this passage. God loves us so completely and then He is showing us that it is His desire to love people and we are able to do this because He loves us so much. It is a natural expression ❤️
Love one another. Simple words but far from easy in real life. Lord, please guide us as we work to show love to others, which so many times requires hard-to-offer forgiveness.
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TERESA COOPER DONLEY – I replied on yesterday to your evening comment ❤️
TVP ❤️
LISA H ❤️ thankful Andrew’s procedure went well! Praying he is able to keep the anti seizure drugs down.
CEE GEE ❤️ yes, thank you! And “The interesting thing about that list is that no item stands alone in the Scripture! … Stepping stones to fullness.” ❤️
MARI V ❤️ first day prayers for you and the children
TANYA EVANS ❤️ continuing to pray for Rita and sharing her progress
SHARON JERSEY GIRL ❤️ praying for your VBS! Could you encourage this one child at your church to come and bring some friends? Praying for abundance in attendance! Reminded me of the parable about the wedding feast in Matthew 22, “Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.” Are there other churches nearby that aren’t doing VBS next week that you could reach out to to spread the word in their congregations? Boys and girls club? A children’s home in your area? Foster family groups?
MICHELLE P ❤️ praying
TAMI ❤️
B ❤️
MARTHA HIX ❤️
That’s a good idea to reach out to some nearby churches to have them (and friends) come!
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John says that the relationship between genuine faith and loving others is “proof” of the Spirit working in us and changing us (2Jn9).
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I struggle to show love to others who have “wronged” me. Not necessarily unforgiving or bitter, but “loving” is a whole other level that I still need to rely on God to work in me.
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Today’s reading focuses in on the way my redemption should manifest in love toward others.
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Praying for you and your requests through the day. “Be diligent so that you receive your full reward” (2Jn8 NLT).
These passages emphasize that true faith necessarily results in love for others. It can often be hard to love those that treat us poorly, who disagree with us, or those whom we feel don’t “deserve” our love and kindness. 1,2,3 John upends this challenge though and calls us to walk in the light, to walk in obedience, in the Spirit, emphasizing the outflow of our redemption in Christ is a changed heart that genuinely love others and generously shares that love, grace, and kindness that we have been given!
Lord help me to be faithful, to walk in the light, and to love others as you have loved me!
So well said Kayla!
Amen!
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