I loved Carly’s thoughts from last time, but also wanted to zero in on this passage:

“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” (2:3-6‬)

The walking is the demonstrating of the knowing. Talk has always been cheap, but any time observing a person will communicate their values.

How much sway to the Commandments of God hold in your life? How often do you remind yourself of them when making decisions? What are these actions founded on? Familiarity with and devotion to the LORD, or “saving face” with people? Time tends to reveal these things since one has more staying power than the other.

While it’s not our job to judge each other, we can be discerning in our observations. This is useful for guarding your own steps, and also being careful about whose footsteps you follow.

Choosing proper teachers, leaders and role models is largely what the occasion of this letter is for. In the early churches there were tons of false teachers (and straight up antichrists). John joins Paul and Peter in the many pleas to know who is of the light, like Christ, and who is just looking to promote themselves.

Theses days the truth feels pretty illusive. John’s call to pursue discernment is just as relevant as ever.

How do you recognize someone who walks in the light? Who are some of the teachers you follow?

-Bethany