When we believe in Jesus, we have assurance of eternal life. This assurance in Jesus gives us confidence to approach God in prayer and present to him all kinds of requests with faith that he hears us and will answer us. Our faith expressed in prayer is so essential in living out our Christian lives victoriously. We know that he who gave his Son and eternal life in him will also grant us what we ask for in prayer.

Specifically, we should pray for our Christian family members who are tempted and sin instead of condemning or despising them. When we have faith in Jesus and love for others, we can pray for those who are weak to be forgiven and to be strengthened to overcome sin's grip on them.

The spiritual battle is real. Satan doesn't want us to stop sinning. But Jesus protects us from the devil and strengthens us with faith to understand the one true God. We can know God and have eternal life in him through our faith in Jesus. As a last admonishment, John cautions them, writing, "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." Idols so easily slip in and steal our hearts.


Application: Father, thank you for Jesus who gives us assurance of eternal life and protects us from the devil. Help me to pray and fight the spiritual battle.
One Word: Jesus gives us eternal life.