Main Scripture: 1 John 2:7-14
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:7-8 ESV Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.
-
Loving others is not optional but essential to Christian living.
-
Loving others is both the foundation and the evidence of our Christian faith.
Leviticus 19:18 ESV You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
John 13:34-35 ESV A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
1 John 2:9 ESV Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
- Walking in love ensures that we do not cause others or ourselves to stumble.
- Hatred never allows you to see things clearly.
John 12:35 ESV So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.
- Hatred will cause us to lose our way and lead us to spiritual confusion and disobedience.
1 John 2:12 ESV I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
“Little children”: A term of endearment for all believers, emphasizing forgiveness through Christ.
“Fathers”: Likely mature believers who have a deep, abiding knowledge of God.
“Young men”: Spiritually vigorous believers who actively resist evil through the Word.
READING PLAN:
Monday: The Call to Love
Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Focus: Loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength is the foundation of obedience. Reflect on how loving God shapes your ability to love others.
Application: Identify one area where you can demonstrate greater love for God today.
Tuesday: Love in Action
Reading: Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan)
Focus: Love for others transcends barriers like race, nationality, or status. True love is sacrificial and active, meeting the needs of others.
Application: Consider someone in your life who might be “difficult to love.” How can you show them Christ-like compassion?
Wednesday: Overcoming the Darkness
Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14
Focus: As believers, we are called to live as “children of light,” exposing and overcoming darkness. Living in the light produces goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Application: Reflect on any “hidden darkness” in your life. Confess it to God and walk in His light.
Thursday: Strength Through God’s Word
Reading: Joshua 1:7-9
Focus: Meditating on God’s Word equips us for spiritual victory and gives us courage. God’s presence ensures strength in every challenge.
Application: Memorize a verse from today’s reading to remind yourself of God’s promise and presence.
Friday: Unity in Love
Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Focus:Love binds the body of Christ together in perfect unity. Living in love includes forgiving others, being compassionate, and letting God’s peace rule in our hearts.
Application: Identify one way you can contribute to unity in your family, church, or community.
