I JOHN

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:1    What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life —

    In this verse "Word of Life" is a title given to Jesus. The writer is describing some of what he saw and felt. He had been in the presence of God incarnate. It's exciting to know that someday I will also experience meeting Jesus. (DRM 6/25/06)

1:2    . . . and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us —

    This is the middle section of a three verse sentence, which really seems to tell me that John is telling the truth and that he and the other disciples really saw Jesus and that He was/is real.
    It builds confidence in me that my faith is in Someone who really came to earth and now is with the Father - God. (DRM 12/21/08)

1:3    what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 

    This seems like an "uncommentable" statement, but the key word to me is proclaim. If they didn't proclaim what they knew to be true, we wouldn't have ever known. Thank you Lord, for those who spoke. (DRM 3/26/2000)

    In these verses [1-4], John tells us that he was an eyewitness and knew Jesus personally - he was there! The words he was writing are true and not second-hand. So long as we believe these words, we will also have fellowship with Jesus and God. (DRM 3/2/03)

1:4    These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.

    This is a summary verse that I hadn't commented on before.
    John, the writer, had been with Jesus. He wanted to emphasize that everything that he wrote was from first hand experience, not what he had heard from others. (v. 1-2)
    By believing the truth that John writes here, we are trusting the Father and His provision of the Son; which is fellowship with the Father, Son and other believers. (v. 3) (DRM 11/24/11)

1:5    And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 

    God's light is pure. He wants us to be as much like Him as possible, but we have "dark spots" that need correction. Lord, open my eyes to my dark spots before they grow. (DRM 3/27/2000)

1:6    If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;

    Am I deceiving myself? Am I walking in darkness? Praise God for assurance of salvation. With the help of study aids like this one, I try to stay on track - and in the Light. Yes, I would always like a closer relationship with Him. (DRM 3/3/03)

1:7    . . . 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.

    This is the second part of a two verse sentence. As Christians, and having the same belief and trust in the Lord Jesus as our Deliverer, then we SHOULD agree with and have fellowship with other Christian believers. In today's world it seems that too many people highlight their differences instead of sharing our common union/dependence on Jesus Christ for our salvation - eternal destiny. (DRM 12/22/08)

1:8    If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

    Only Jesus was sinless. As I pray for the Holy Spirit to convict me of my previously unknown sins, it seems that I am reminded every day how much of a sinner that I am. (DRM 3/4/03)

    For a while, I couldn't think of any sins that I committed during a day. It wasn't that I didn't commit any, but that I wasn't convicted. As time has progressed, the Holy Spirit has let me know more things that should have been done better. I know that I'm a sinner and ask for forgiveness; and keep trying to improve. (DRM 6/26/06)

1:9    If we confess our sins; He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    To me, this is one of the most important verses in the Bible. The most important word to me is the first word . . . IF. My "goal" is to keep up and constantly ask forgiveness as I sin. I'd rather not sin at all. (DRM 3/28/2000)

2:1    My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

    Some things are easier written than done. "That you may not sin," is one of those statements. I can try not to sin, but I fail. Thank God the second part of this verse knows about that, too! (DRM 3/29/2000)

2:2    and He [Jesus] Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

    Propitiation has been a challenging word for me. Once I had a MBI definition of the word and lost it. I use the word "substitution" as my definition and think that is close. Jesus died for my sins as well as all others who will believe in Him. (DRM 3/5/03)

2:3, 4    By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. ⁴The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

    Here is a great association between the Ten Commandments and the New Testament - it proves that the Bible (OT & NT) must be studied as a whole. A true believer wants to keep the Commandments, and not being able to shows conviction of sin. No one is perfect, which is why we need Jesus as our Savior. (DRM 12/23/08)

2:5    but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him:

    Jesus gave His disciples - then us through the Bible, certain "rules" or commandments to follow. Our (my) job is to try to follow them. If I don't succeed, I am sinning and will need to ask for forgiveness. Sanctification is the long process of trying to follow and be more like Jesus every day. (DRM 6/27/06)

2:6    the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 

    What did Christ do? WWJD (What would Jesus do)? 
    When I come up with a problem I should pray to do as He would do. Quite often I do things hastily and regret it immediately. Lord, may I be like You. (DRM 3/30/2000)

    This is a convicting verse. Do I act the way Jesus acted? Do I have compassion for the poor and widows? Do I proclaim verbally to people their need to be saved? I could go on and on . . . Lord, make me more like You. (DRM 3/6/03)

2:9    The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now.

    I know several people who say they are Christians, but also will criticize other Christians and walk in other paths Monday through Saturday. We are to love our Christian family every day, and not become a cause for division in a church or community. Love one another. (DRM 6/28/06)

2:10    The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 

    "The Light" has many meanings to me. First, the Light is Christ, the direction for my life. Second, the Christian life, which seems to be related to in this verse. Third, a direction to travel, like the lighthouse. There must be more. . . (DRM 3/31/2000)

    Verse 11 refers to those in darkness, but I prefer to be optimistic. Knowing Jesus is in my heart, is like having a light abide in me. I deeply want to share my faith with others, but they seem uninterested - or in darkness. Lord, light my path. . . (DRM 3/7/03)

2:11    But the one who 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.

    God is love. After we (I) became a part of His family, I should have also acquired His love for all others - believers and unbelievers. All other believers are considered brothers and sisters in the Lord - thus we should love them - and everyone else - period.
    If we don't love others, then we are not believers - we are still in (unbelieving) darkness. (DRM 12/24/08)

2:12    I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.

    When we first come to Christ, it must be as a child, so I can associate here. We all must have a beginning and we are given that assurance in this verse. Thank you Lord Jesus! (DRM 4/1/2000)

2:14    I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 

    All three of these verses [12-14] relate to various people who are now believers. I think the Bible is directed to two types of people: non-believers and believers. After accepting the gift of Jesus Christ, we need encouragement and conviction of our sins - which the Bible provides. (DRM 3/8/03)

2:15    Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 

    I like the beautiful things that I see in this world - and quickly think of nature - but this verse clearly states that I should love the Father more than this. My time should be spent on Him and not earth. (DRM 4/2/2000)

    This is one of my temptations. At times in my life, I have tried to accumulate material things of this world (stamps, etc.) for investment and enjoyment and it took ALL of my time away from the LORD. This is still a problem. I need balance. (DRM 3/9/03)

    This is more challenging to me. My priority is to love Jesus and to serve Him however He leads me. I also have earthly desires that I would like to do before the end of my life - and hope that is not "loving the world." (DRM 6/29/06)

2:16    For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

    A lot of people today have a challenge with lust for the opposite sex. On the one hand, we want to keep strong and healthy bodies, but on the other hand the attractiveness can lead others to sinful desires. These desires are not from God, but from the world. Our eyes and mind should be on serving Jesus=God, and to try to please Him at all times. (DRM 12/25/08)

2:17    The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

    What hope! As time goes by and I become more knowledgeable in God's word, the influences of this world will become easier to deflect and I will be able to be in God's will more and more of the time. And it will last forever. (DRM 2/11/87)

2:18    Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen; from this we know that it is the last hour.

    As time goes on, more and more people want to deceive the people of God in some way. All of the deceivers are antichrists, but eventually there will be THE Antichrist. Lord, may I do Your will until THE DAY. (DRM 4/3/2000)

    Nearly 2,000 years ago, John wrote that it is "the last hour." God-Jesus wanted it that way. He wants us to always be prepared and ready to meet Him. Lord, make me ready to be with You today - and forgive my sins from the past. (DRM 3/10/03)

    John truly felt Jesus was coming back soon. He never would have thought people would be still waiting over 1,900 years later! He felt Jesus would return immediately - like I do. No one knows the day or the hour — only the Father. We (I) should always be prepared for a quick departure. (DRM 6/30/06)

2:21    I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

    While John was not writing to a specific church, he was writing to Christians in general. According to this verse, he was not writing to non-Christians, but most people who read or are familiar with parts of the Bible before conversion.
    Perhaps this verse emphasizes that the Bible is the true word of God and no lies are contained in it. (DRM 11/16/11)

2:22    Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.

    This seems to give a different perspective on the antichrist. I believe that the Antichrist will be a single person that will lead the world in the future. In this verse the antichrist could describe a lot of unbelievers, like today's Atheists - who don't believe in God. THE Antichrist ruler will come from one of these groups - who deny Jesus is the Lord. (DRM 12/26/08)

2:23    Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also. 

    This seems to indicate that Jesus and God are closer than "father and son." If you confess One, you confess both. They must be the same. 
    Thank you Jesus God for opening my eyes! (DRM 4/4/2000)

    Jesus is God. New believers must understand this and believe it. The verse does NOT say to trust only in God, but that we must trust in the Son [Jesus] who is God. Most of the world does not understand this. (DRM 3/11/03)

2:24    As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.

    Here John is referring to previous teaching that was given to the believers that he was writing to. No one but God knows our heart - and what we believe, but here John was emphasizing to continue to listen and implement the good teaching that has been taught already. (DRM 7/1/06)

2:27    As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.

    While not stated as such, I think that this refers to the indwelling Holy Spirit. After conversion, we (I) receive the Holy Spirit which is LIKE the conscience and directs how we (I) should live. So long as it's truly the Holy Spirit, it will direct us to do God-pleasing things. Our Teacher in this respect is the Holy Spirit - but I think we also need human pastor-teachers to clarify the meaning of some aspects of the Bible. (DRM 12/27/08)

2:28    And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.

    I usually like to be compared to a child, it's a time of great learning. Lord, let me continue to learn more about You, and never be ashamed of You or Your return. (DRM 4/5/2000)

    How will I feel when Christ returns? Many people will be ashamed for their unconfessed sins, but those who know Him and confess all their known sins to Him will love Him and welcome His return. I am trying to be in the later half. (DRM 3/12/03)

2:29    If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.

    When you meet a new person, how can you tell if they are a Christian or not? I believe that a lot of that determination comes from what they say — An example is if they swear a lot, then it's unlikely they are Christians, as Christians should try to emulate Jesus - and say things that would please Him, as He is righteous/holy. (DRM 12/28/08)

3:1    See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

    As a father loves his children, God loves His children — He created each one of us and only wants the best for each of us. When we decide to honor and follow His commands, rather than our own (as the world does), then we become a true part of His family.
    The people in the world have not heard His call to follow, and thus have totally different opinions and direction than we do. That's why we don't agree - but it's our job to show them the Truth, the Lord God, and hope they will change direction before it's too late. (DRM 1/1/12)

3:2    Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. 

    The heavenly mystery continues. What does Jesus look like? If we knew that, then we would know more of what we would look like when we are with Him. 
    I feel that it will be similar to now, but FAR better! (DRM 4/6/2000)

    After being born-again, I became a child of God, which I shall be while on earth. I don't know what I will become as an adult in heaven, but know that I will be like Jesus - in my composition; but I also will be recognizable to friends and family. Praise the Lord! (DRM 3/13/03)

    When we have completed our task on earth, it isn't over. Our future place in Heaven is unknown to us. While we will be recognized, we will also be like Jesus and be able to see Him, our Leader for eternity. What a great future! (DRM 7/2/06)

3:6    No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. 

    I am a sinner, saved by grace. While I have to change the wording here, I believe the intent is that we try not to sin and that Jesus forgives our sins if we ask Him to. I try not to sin, but fail. (DRM 4/7/2000)

    Only One person was sinless - Jesus. How can we know Him since we are sinners? There is a way - confession of our sins. Since He doesn't remember confessed sins - we are sinless after confession - I must confess all known sins immediately! (DRM 3/14/03)

3:8    . . . the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose to destroy the works of the devil.

    This is like yesterday's comment. How people react, how people speak and what people do is based on what is in their heart. If you hear or see evil, vulgar things come out of people, then they must likely aren't Christians. What is in a person's spiritual heart shows in what they literally say and do. (DRM 12/29/08)

3:9    No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 

    This is very similar to yesterday's verse. We don't intentionally sin. The Holy Spirit within us convicts us of our obvious sins and we must confess them to Jesus, who is our Intercessor. Only with His [Holy Spirit] help, can I walk sinless before God. (DRM 3/15/03)

3:10    By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

    This is similar to yesterday. I know that the Holy Spirit is in me because of my love for others. They may not know it, but how I would like to talk to them! Lord, let me also show your righteousness in my love toward others. (DRM 4/8/2000)

    You can't be half Christian. You have to commit to one side or the other - no fence sitting (Rev. 3:16)! While only God knows our heart, there is evidence of where we stand in the battle by the words we speak and the actions = love that we have for others - both Christians and non-Christians. (DRM 7/3/06)

3:11    For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;

    It's easy to love someone who also loves you. The hard part is to love our enemies - people who hate us. In today's world, it's easy to find people who hate or disagree with us for our views - especially on the exclusivity of trusting in Jesus as the ONLY way to heaven. Still we must talk to and be able to explain our position. (DRM 12/30/08)

3:14    We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.

    How often I get upset with people who "bother" me or cause me to be uncomfortable by their words or actions.
    While I generally think I love everyone and don't hate people who disagree with me, I still have an inner disagreement with the people who cause my mental distress.
    Lord, I need help to forgive and be more like Jesus every single day! (DRM 6/14/87)

    Again, love is the topic. For most of my life I've felt "unloved." But recently God has shown me how much He loves me by allowing me to have a close friend. This is an example of His love. (DRM 4/9/2000)

    While physical love has alluded me all of my life, I can truly feel the spiritual love referred to here. I have a love for other Christians and "want" to correct some of them if they are going down the wrong paths - even if they can't "hear" by some of my actions. (DRM 3/16/03)

3:15    Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

    When I read the Ten Commandments, I think I haven't murdered or killed anyone, but here is the definition of murder. Have I ever hated someone for what they have done to me? Have I forgiven them since? Thank God that He forgives our sins if we ask Him to! (DRM 7/4/06)

3:16    We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 

    This doesn't sound like a spiritual application, but rather a physical one. Jesus literally, physically died for my sins. If another believer needs me to die for him to live, then I should consider this verse. It would be very difficult to decide! (DRM 3/17/03)

3:17    But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

    This seems to be written for the "rich," but I'm not so sure. Compared to the rest of the world, the USA is the land of plenty. I don't always feel that I am giving enough of what I have to others. (DRM 4/10/2000)

3:18    Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

    We are all little children compared to our Leader, Jesus. I think this verse refers to all believers and that our actions speak louder than whatever we say. Do we (I) really "walk the walk?" Even after 20 years, I have few people to ask or compare myself to - for progress reports. (DRM 7/5/06)

3:21, 22    Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; ²²and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

    This seems like some of the answer to "What is the will of God for my life?" If we (I) keep God's commandments and do things that would please Him, and the Holy Spirit ("our heart") does not condemn us, then we (I) can go forward believing that I am doing God's will. (DRM 12/31/08)

3:23    And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. 

    First, we must believe (not just know) in Jesus Christ, then we must love other Christians in our new family. If we can't agree as family members on earth, how will we do in Heaven? Jesus didn't cause the division of the church - Satan did. (DRM 3/18/03)

3:24    And the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And we know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. 

    I try to keep all the commandments, but know that I am a sinner saved by grace. My assurance is only through the convicting of (by) the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for the convictions - in that way I know You are still with me. (DRM 4/11/2000)

4:1    Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the Spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

    While this is explained well in verses 2 and 3, the point is that we (I) can think I'm hearing a directive from the Holy Spirit, but it could be a demon that is telling me what to do. The Holy Spirit would want me to proclaim Jesus to the world in ANY way, whereas a demon wouldn't want that. Who am I (we) listening to? (DRM 1/1/09)

4:2    By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;

    Sometimes when I feel "sure" that the Holy Spirit is telling me something to do, I assume that the word is from God. As time progresses, and I don't get the expected results, I realize that I could have been deceived. I must be sure FIRST. (DRM 3/19/03)

    Did God really tell me to do THAT? The answer comes from the context, does it really honor Him? Does it bring more people to Christ? As I make major decisions, I really wonder about these things and really want to honor Christ with the rest of my life. (DRM 7/6/06)

4:3    . . . and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. 

    More often lately, I've felt that the Holy Spirit has been telling me what to do. So far, I've never doubted who was talking to me. From this verse apparently I should question the speaker. (DRM 4/12/2000)

4:4    You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 

    Again today, this reminds me that I am a "child" of God and have a lot more learning to do. Praise God that His Holy Spirit is in me and not the demons and Satan of this world. (DRM 3/20/03)

4:6    We are from God: he who knows God listens to us; and he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 

    Generally, I've noticed that "believers" understand what I'm saying when I speak of Biblical things and unbelievers don't. As it says here, a way to 'test' someone's belief is to see their reaction and agreement with Biblical thoughts. [I should memorize more of them!] (DRM 4/13/2000)

4:8    The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

    I seem to vaguely remember love when mother was alive and some of that love was "transferred" to my aunt [my mother's twin sister]. But after Alice left [died], I was "loveless." Now God seems to be showing me His love through a new friend. It's great to have this friend — but I also long for a wife. (DRM 4/14/2000)

4:9    By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 

    How do we see God's love to us? Through the love of other believers. While I have seen little of this evidence in NYS, I know it exists elsewhere. The best thing to do is to begin at home - Lord, may Your love be evident in me. (DRM 3/21/03)

    God loves us so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. To "live through Him" I think refers to how He died for our behalf to cover our sins (propitiation v.10). I still have to confess my sins, but have confidence that both God and Jesus want to love and forgive me. (DRM 7/7/06)

4:11    Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

    God showed His love for us in sending Jesus to die for our sins. He wants us to live with Him in the future. Since He loved us so much, we should also love others in the same way - not wanting them to go to Hell, but in trying to show them the narrow path to Heaven. (DRM 1/2/09)

    . . . Just as God demonstrated His love toward us through Christ's incarnation and work on the cross, so should His children demonstrate love toward the rest of the family. (Word of Life diary comment 1/2/09)

4:12    No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

    How do we know what God looks like? Jesus said, if we have seen Him, we have seen the Father, so I would expect God to look like a human being.
    God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins. In a similar way He wants us to love each other. The way (evidence) that a person is a Christian is the way they (we) love others.
    We are to show others love - and this love is a reflection of the love that's in us - given to us by the Father. (DRM 12/5/11)

4:13    By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

    My assurance of salvation is that I know the Holy Spirit is within me. He convicts me when I do wrong and also tells me what to do that's right. My problem (sin) is being able to do all the rights. (DRM 4/15/2000)

4:15    Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God.

    Salvation seems so simple. This verse is even more direct than John 3:16. Why don't people see this? How can they learn unless someone is sent to tell them . . . who . . . me? (DRM 4/16/2000)

    This verse is an encouragement to me. Quite often I feel so inadequate and disappointed in myself that I haven't done enough for the Lord. This verse reminds me that I belong to Jesus and He loves me - even when I think I am failing. (DRM 3/22/03)

4:18    There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

    I don't fear my friends, I love them. At the beginning I held back some information, but as time progressed, trust increased. I no longer had to fear the punishment of a broken relationship. As love develops, fear recedes. (DRM 7/8/06)

4:20    If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar', for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.

    This is the same general idea as what I wrote yesterday. The "brother" here could be either a Christian or non-Christian, a family relative or a spiritual relative or neighbor. We are to love all people, no matter who they are or what they believe. . .  and "brothers" include sisters in the same way. (DRM 1/3/09)

4:21    And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

    Being mean and not caring or loving people is easy. The hard part comes when someone is being mean to you and not getting angry at them!
    We must continue to remember to "love one another" no matter what they say or do to you! (DRM 6/23/87)

    I can only think of the variety of people who sit on the bus every day. I don't know their backgrounds but still "love" them as they haven't hurt me. Thank God He shows His love through other people. (DRM 4/17/2000)

    How can I love God and NOT love His created beings and things [nature]? While I have had disagreements on others' presentations of God, I still love the people - because they were all created by the Lord. (DRM 3/23/03)

5:1    Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. 

    This is similar to John 4:15 above. Certainly I believe this verse to be true and it is another assurance of salvation to me. (DRM 4/18/2000)

    What is "the Christ"? I think it is like "the Savior," the Person who died for my personal sins. Without commitment we get nowhere. After being born-again [of God] it should be natural to love others in the family - no matter how they worship. (DRM 3/24/03)

5:3    For this is the love of God, that we keep His Commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

    This continues the love theme from the past few days. God gave us the commandments as a guideline to follow - the purpose was to show that we are all sinners and can't do this perfectly. We have to admit our sin (repent) and keep trying to follow His commands - which truly shows that we love Him and want to please Him. (DRM 1/4/09)

5:4    For whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. 

    What causes someone to accept the gift of Jesus and His salvation? Faith! I personally dwell on the faith that He will provide for all of my needs and pray that others will also receive this faith. (DRM 4/19/2000)

    When I am trusting in God to provide, I am no longer trusting in the world to provide. Admitting that our trust is only in Jesus - God is an act of faith and , at first, the point of our conversion. (DRM 3/25/03)

    I think one of the most important words in the Bible and my life - is faith. This is something like a definition of what faith requires. I have to input my faith/trust to become a Christian. I have to have faith in Jesus as my Savior to overcome the world and all that is spiritually thrown at me to hinder me. (DRM 7/9/06)

5:9    If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son.

    Since testimony is referred to four times in this verse, the point is to understand the term. I believe that testimony is a personal or written reflection on what actually happened in my experience (Testimony Newsletter). The newsletter is a compilation of testimonies by "men," but God's testimony about His Son is far better. When God speaks, everyone should listen. There is no higher Authority! (DRM 1/5/09)

5:10a,b    Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony. . .

    The personal acceptance of Jesus Christ is THE way to salvation. When you accept Jesus Christ as Lord it will be in your heart and should be shown by your outward actions. Those who don't believe God are in for torment.
    What can I do to help those people? (DRM 4/19/87)   

5:11,12    And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. ¹²He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

    One of my old Navigators memory verses. It's another great summary verse of what the Lord has given me and anyone who wants to believe in Him.
    How much clearer can the Bible be than in verse 12? (DRM 4/20/2000)

    [re: 5:11]    Without the Son [Jesus] we can't have eternal life. There is NO OTHER WAY. Non-Christians don't agree with this statement. It's hard to convince them that Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven. Hopefully He will use me. (DRM 3/26/03)

5:13    These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life. 

    This was written for believers, but if I were a curious unbeliever, I would think it would convict me to believe. This clearly states that you MUST believe [in your heart] in the Son of God [Jesus] for eternal life. What's more convincing? (DRM 3/27/03) 

5:14,15    And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

    What a confidence building verse(s)! If we ask for anything in the name of Jesus, He will give it to us. Sounds good, BUT, it must be according to His will, and some things that I want, He wants something else that will be better for me later. (DRM 4/21/2000)

    This refers to my current dilemma. I have asked for employment for over 14 months now and received no response. I wonder what God is waiting for. I know I need more patience - and also know He will provide in His timing. (DRM 7/10/06)

    [Re: 5:15]    The previous verse emphasizes that if we ask anything "according to His will." As the Holy Spirit enters my body, He directs my thoughts. Many times my thoughts will now be His thoughts also. With His {Holy Spirit's] help, He [Jesus] grants our requests. (DRM 3/28/03)

5:18    We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him and the evil one does not touch him. 

    This verse is clear - based on the capitalizations. We became born of God when we were "born-again." Jesus was truly born of God and will protect us from Satan, and forgive us of our sins. (DRM 3/29/03)

    Believers are born of God, and we (I) try not to sin. Jesus was literally born of God and has no sin. I must depend on Him to cover my sin and protect me from the evil one. (DRM 7/11/06)

5:19    We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

    Throughout the Bible we are told (and I believe) that the current world is run by the evil one; the devil. That's not hard to believe! After becoming Christians, we change sides and become God's children, and our (my) purpose in life is to share His good news with others, so they won't be entrapped by the evil one for eternity. (DRM 1/6/09)

5:20    And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

    This is another summary verse: Jesus Christ came and taught us about His Father and heaven. He asked us to become part of His spiritual body, so we could be with Him forever. (DRM 4/22/2000)