3 We know that we have come to know God if we obey his commands. 4 Suppose someone says, “I know him.” But suppose this person does not do what God commands. Then this person is a liar and is not telling the truth. 5 But if anyone obeys God’s word, then that person truly loves God. Here is how we know we belong to him. 6 Those who claim to belong to him must live just as Jesus did.
7 Dear friends, I’m not writing you a new command. Instead, I’m writing one you have heard before. You have had it since the beginning. 8 But I am writing what amounts to a new command. Its truth was shown in how Jesus lived. It is also shown in how you live. That’s because the darkness is passing away. And the true light is already shining.
9 Suppose someone claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister. Then they are still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. There is nothing in them to make them fall into sin. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness. They walk around in the darkness. They don’t know where they are going. The darkness has made them blind.
1 John 2:3-11
I went to a school where we would have exams at the end of every term. We took them seriously and the results would be posted on the walls outside the dining hall, so that everyone could see how well you did. The public nature of these test developed a competitive spirit and in me that has shaped the rest of my life. However, the true purpose of the exams was to measure growth and spot flaws. It is hard to measure progress in the small daily steps but a seasonal test showed that you had developed new skills and abilities. It marked that we were growing in the right direction.
Following Jesus can feel exhilarating at times and mundane at others. As you devote your life to him, it can be hard to always see whether you are truly growing more like Jesus. In this passage John says that the litmus test is in your relationships. More specifically, he says that it is in your relationships with your ‘brother and sisters.’ What is your relationship like with your church?
“I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you. If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.”
In John 13 Jesus says that the mark of a disciple is in our relationships with other Christians. You can memorise scripture, pray the most heaven-shaking prayers, stand on a stage and bring thousands to faith and yet, if you do not love, then you are following a different God. The primary mark of a disciple is not power or impressiveness but self-giving love.
Everyone wants to find their people. We we all want to love and to be loved. However, authentic community is full of challenges. People are awkward and weird. We don’t always get on. We get hurt and make mistakes. Even the kindest of communities will clash with us and hurt us. Those arguments, awkward moments and tensions are tests which reveal our growth. This is the work of a disciple, committing to come alongside each other, investing in others and helping them to grow in their walk with Jesus.
Reflect
- How is your connection with your community?
- Are you growing more generous, serving, welcoming and loving?
- How do you respond to the difficult moments in community?
Respond
As you reflect on your relationships with the family of God, where are you called to commit to serve, love and forgive?
