1 John 1:1-2:2 (NRSV)
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Chapter 1We 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- Verse 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- Verse 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. Verse 4We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
Verse 5This 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. Verse 6If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; Verse 7but 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.
Verse 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Verse 9If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Verse 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Chapter 2My 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; Verse 2and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Devotion
I will always remember the only family reunion I have ever attended as an “outsider.” My girlfriend (now my wife) invited me to spend the weekend with about 75 of her closest relatives. It was something of a mixed blessing to a person who was both a little insecure and an introvert!
Though I was happy to be anywhere with her, I was nervous about being surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces, stories, jokes and names. Yet I quickly discovered that I was welcomed with open arms into their fellowship – not because they were all so nice (which they were) but because of the person who had invited me. A similar sort of blessing is ours in the worldwide fellowship of unfamiliar “faces, stories, jokes and names” we call the Church, all by virtue of the One who daily invites each of us into the fellowship of the family of faith.
Prayer
Precious Lord, take my hand as you daily introduce me to the people in your great family. Calm my nerves, remove my fears, soften my heart and open my ears that I may hear and share your welcoming word of grace. Amen.