Scripture: 1 John 1:1-2:20 (NRSV)
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Word in Context
1 John is similar in many ways to the Gospel of John and was long thought to be written by the same author, typically believed to be the Apostle John. It now appears that 1 John (as well as 2 John and 3 John) were written by the same person, but later in the history of the early church.
According to tradition, 1 John was written from the city of Ephesus. It is not really a letter so much as it is an essay or message written to deal with specific issues.
Reflection Questions
- How, when, and where have you seen, heard, and felt the “Word of life” for yourself?
- How are you called, encouraged, invited, or challenged to live so that your “joy may be complete?”How do you seek to “walk in the light” of God?
- What does forgiveness mean for you? How do you practice it in your life?
Prayer
Lord, help me to live in the light of God every day of our lives. Amen.
