There are people who have a way of instantly putting you at ease. Their manner is to include everyone, their winning ways are welcoming, inviting, and exude love.
The disciple John knew he was loved by Jesus, and often referred to himself as “the one Jesus loved” (see John 13:23). Confident in being loved, he wanted others to be assured of being loved as well. In writing 1 John 2, he states who he is writing to as “you who are God’s children; you who are mature in the faith; and you who are young in the faith”. The beauty of his wording is we all are God’s children and we will fall into one of the other two categories, so he is writing to us all. John loved people so deeply, even in his writing, he made certain no one would be left out.
The last few days, I have been returned to read the same three verses over and over. He encourages each of the above mentioned groups assuring them of three things:
- Their sins had been forgiven.
- They knew Jesus.
- They had won their battle with the evil one for their souls.
I am sure those who John was writing to then, as still today, continued to sin in their daily life. God’s forgiveness is ongoing and continuous.
I am sure those who John was writing to then, as still today, sometimes doubted if they knew Jesus. John reminds us that from the very beginning, Jesus desired and invites each of us to know Him.
I am sure those who John was writing to then, as still today, experienced spiritual battles which they thought would be the end of them. Yet he reminds them, and each of us, our enemy has been defeated.
John’s words, recorded for us in God’s Word, are an eternal reminder that our words can impact one another. Deeply. He did not point out the specific sins of those he was writing. Nor their doubts. He did not bring up the things in which they battled. He encouraged them with three statements about themselves:
“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.”
(1 John 2:14, NLT)
Imagine how encouraging it would be to hear these words spoken to you, over you. Perhaps even allow me to say them to you …
“You are strong. As a matter of fact, you are stronger than you even think or realize. You are strong, and get stronger each day, as you stay in God’s Word and allow His Word to live in your heart. Do not believe the lie of the enemy that you are weak. You are not. Your battle with the evil one has been won and you are an overcomer because Jesus resides within you. You are strong in Him.”
Now go face the day in His might!
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and True Story .
I need to remind myself of this more often, that I AM strong. I don’t always *feel* strong but that’s no indicator of my real strength, who is the strongest One of all. Thanks, Joanne!
Perhaps we don’t feel strong so that we will always lean on Him – the true source of our strength. Blessings to you!
So funny to drop by here and read this, because yesterday my scripture writing was this piece of scripture. I just love when God has something show up more than once in a period of time. It’s like, “Hey, Take Notice!”
“Do not believe the lie of the enemy that you are weak. You are not.” Thanks for that line. The enemy is always trying that one on me. But he is a liar.
jerralea, I love when God repeats His truth to me from varied sources as well.
The enemy will keep trying that lie on us. May we let God’s truth rise up in us for truly we are strong in His strength alone.
Blessings!
John was writing to the mature as well as the new Christians, and he realized they had their ups and downs. Thank you for your beautiful words of encouragement shared with us here at Tell me a Story. I am reminded of the children’s chorus. Yes Jesus Loves me, even when I am weak but He is strong.
Hazel, I love that you brought out how we all have our ups and downs. I am so grateful He keeps us strong. And grateful for the reminder of the children’s chorus. You made me smile as it all came back to me!