The opening 6 verses of this chapter give a warning against false teaching through false prophets. We know that we live in a world that is spiritually evil, a world that does not believe in Jesus as God incarnate and spread lies and deceit. We are in a real and constant spiritual battle against the false prophets of this world and John makes it clear the importance of testing the spirits to see whether they are from God (v.1). Make no mistake, the spirits of this world are cunning and devious, they can and will infiltrate Christian communities in the church in an attempt to derail and cause schism and dissent among its members. Since not all teachers are true to the faith, Christians are never instructed to believe "just because." In fact, we are often warned to carefully consider before we trust any particular message. Whenever you or anyone in the church believes they have received a word from God it is vitally important to test its source, “This is how you can recognise the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.” (v.2).

John continues to focus as in the previous two chapters on God’s love for us and our love for God. There are some wonderful verses in this passage that I particularly find amazing. God’s love for us is not in question or doubt, demonstrated through the sacrificial blood of Jesus. Our love for God is demonstrated through our love for one another as His Spirit lives and is seen in us. It is because God first loved us that we love him (v.19). John also talks of anxiety over whether or not God will truly love and forgive us. Those who follow God's example of love have no reason to fear that God will not accept them. His perfect love removes the need of this fear. God is love, shows perfect love, and places love in the hearts of those who believe.

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Questions:

Do you truly believe that God has forgiven you of your sins and that He loves you unconditionally? If you believe you have received a word from God not solely for you how do you test that it is a genuine word from Him?

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord God, for your unfailing love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Help me to listen to your voice discerning what is of you and protect me from the false teachings of the evil one. May I always trust in you and your word and never fear or doubt your forgiveness and love for me. Amen.