When we sin, Jesus the Righteous One atones for our sins through his blood sacrificed on the cross and advocates for us with the Father. We are great debtors of Christ's love, forgiveness, and advocacy.

Thus, as his followers, we must practice his grace and love and forgive other believers as Jesus did. Love relationships in the church testify that Christ's light is shining in us. But if we don't forgive our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are in the darkness and are blind. Thus, we must love and forgive our Christian family as Jesus commands. Then, we can see each other poetically as John wrote, describing the church with great affection as children who have been forgiven, as fathers who are mature in faith, and as young men who overcome the evil one. John wrote it twice to emphasize his love. It's his advocacy for them.

On the other hand, we must not love the world or anything in the world. Otherwise, our love for Jesus and other believers will grow cold. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does Christ's will (love God and others) lives forever!


Application: Father, thank you for Jesus who advocates for me. Help me to love others and live in his light.
One Word: Love others and walk in Jesus' light