1 John 2:1 --- My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1 John chapter 2 starts off with the phrase, "My little children". it's such a simple thing, yet it grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let go. John uses it as a term of endearment here and it reflects his heart for those he is writing to. He's not writing some cold and callous instruction manual; he is pouring out his heart that has been filled with Jesus. There is so much warmth, strength and love wrapped up in those small words.
If you don't have kids, I know it may be tougher to relate to why this is such a deep and powerful thing. Not that you can't though so don't check out! Lol. When you see a baby or young toddler some have their hearts melted and others may want to run, but whether you love babies, run from them or are indifferent, you can quickly assess, without someone to feed them, protect them and teach them, they aren't going to get very far. They need someone who chooses to feed them, change them, teach them, etc…
Why does this matter, Phillip? It matters because as adults we tend to view other adults as… well… adults. Many times, especially nowadays, we go into danger assessment mode when seeing other people…."What do they want?", "Do they want to talk, if so what do I say?", "Do they wish me harm…bodily, mentally, spiritually?", "Do I need to raise my internal castle walls, lower them, tell the archers to open fire?!?" on and on of course. We reduce them to combatants in the arena of life, sometimes friend, sometimes foe, sometimes dubiously stuck between the two.
By the time we're done assessing we've missed something big, something really MAJOR…this is another human being, who God knit together in their mother's womb. Who has their own storms in life happening, their own hurts inside and out. Another human being who God loves so much He sent Jesus to die on the cross for them. Who Jesus loved so much he came and went through it to pay for our sins.
We fail to simply see others as little children who need something. Something you have, Jesus. The light. The truth. His love. A listening ear. A genuine embrace. You, Christian… You, child of God… You, believer, and follower of Jesus, have HIM!
This isn't some high pious holy roller thing, of "I'm such a holy good clean Christian and you little childlike people must be taught…" NO! ABSOLUTELY NO!! That's not it at all. This is me, just so in love with Jesus. I am so in love with Jesus that I cannot help to be filled with His love for others. It's a part of me and when I see others, I want them to know how it feels to be loved and be in love with Him. This isn't trying to hammer them with religious rules but trying to shower them with something we all long for deep inside the darkest of places in our lives, love, acceptance, connection, and I know the creator and eternal source of all those things… come fellowship with me because I fellowship with Him. Come and see Him for yourself!
I'd love to come alongside you in prayer today, good, bad, ugly. If I can pray for anything message or comment. Either way know you are loved and prayed for today.
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