READING:
One-year plan: Ezekiel 41-44, 1 John 2:12-3:10
Two-year plan: 1 Chronicles 16:7-43, John 19:17-30
———–
I love the people of God. As messy as they can be, God’s people are a gift to one another—both a source of love and an object of love at the same time. They love us, and we love them.
As John writes to his readers, he uses terms that reflect his affection for the believers. Yesterday’s reading included, for example, the terms “my little children” (1 Jn 2:1, also verse 28 in today’s reading) and “dear friends” (1 Jn 2:7). His affection for his readers is evident, and he writes to them as one more mature in the faith who cares deeply for them.
Today’s reading also includes the terms, “little children” (1 Jn 2:12), “fathers” (1 Jn 2:13, 14), “young men” (1 Jn 2:13, 14), and “children” (1 Jn 2:14). Scholars debate the meanings of these terms, but it’s likely they variously refer to all the believers and to believers at different stages of their spiritual journey. From children to young men to fathers, the believers needed specific guidance from John.
One question for me today is, “At what stage of my spiritual journey do I find myself today?” Another question I ask is, “Am I at one stage of spiritual maturity when I should already be at another level—or, am I drinking milk when I should be eating meat? I desire to continue to grow in Christ and direct others to Him.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Where are you in your spiritual maturity?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, help me to keep growing in my walk, always doing right.”
MONDAY’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Ezekiel 45-48, 1 John 3:11-4:6
Two-year plan: 1 Chronicles 17-18, John 19:31-42
