Our scripture this morning is 1 John 2:1-6.
“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”
John puts it plainly speaking about Jesus – “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins” (v. 2). Through Jesus, God has given us the greatest gift of all, eternal life with Him. Now that we are saved, John tells us we must obey God’s commandments and live in the truth.
It is hard to follow Christ’s example, as He told us it would be. The world does not change for good easily. It requires our faith, love and often, hard work in the face of opposition.
Jesus was willing to suffer humiliation and death for us. John tells us He is the “advocate who pleads our case before the Father” (v. 1). He has called us to continue the ministry of love and reconciliation He began, bringing everyone back into connection with God.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for Your example and Your everlasting love for us. Help us to follow in faith, bringing the Good News to all the world. Amen.