Introduction

1 John 1:1–10: The First Letter of John has two main purposes: to encourage its readers to live in fellowship with God and Jesus Christ, and to warn them against false teachings that would destroy this fellowship. Today’s reading describes how God’s Word of life (Jesus) came to earth and was witnessed by those who saw, heard, and touched him. When we confess our sins to God, we have the assurance of God’s forgiveness and that Jesus, the righteous one, pleads on our behalf.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 John 1:7

If we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.

Reading

We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We write this in order that our joy may be complete.

Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. If, then, we say that we have fellowship with him, yet at the same time live in the darkness, we are lying both in our words and in our actions. But if we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God, and his word is not in us.

Reflect

The Bible speaks of light to describe God or God’s word (John 1:4–5; Psalm 119:105) as well as the people and things that reveal God’s truth (Isaiah 49:6). The followers of Jesus are also called “people who belong to the light” (Ephesians 5:8) and “light for the whole world” (Matthew 5:14). Reread verses 5–7. What is your understanding of what it means to live in the light?

Pray

Lord, I want to live in your light and have fellowship with you. Forgive me for the ways in which I have failed to live according to your will. Guide me today so that my words and actions reflect your love and light and give honor and glory to you. Amen.

And now, join us in praying for the Arab Israeli Bible Society as it seeks to promote peace and healing throughout the region. Lord God, amid war and unrest, the Arab Israeli Bible Society is tirelessly working to promote peace and healing in the Holy Land through Bible engagement. From workshops and conferences on trauma healing to sharing thousands of copies of the Peace children’s Bible, they are helping families find hope, forgiveness, and healing. Thank you, Lord God, for the generosity of Bible-A-Month Partners that is supporting this ministry. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

1 John 2:1–17: Jesus is the means by which our sins are forgiven.