I am writing to you who are God’s children
because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.
I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
because you have won your battle with the evil one.
I have written to you who are God’s children
because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts,
and you have won your battle with the evil one.

1 John 2: 12-14

A challenging message about love and hate, light and darkness is often necessary for our spiritual growth as we’ve read through the first couple of chapters in John’s first epistle, but we are human beings and human beings also need to be encouraged, don’t we?

When we respond to the exhortations of Scripture, we will grow in the Faith. It’s important, then, to hear and embrace those endearing words as well. In John’s epistle above, he takes a break to encourage his readers. Again and again, he stresses that he is “writing to you.” It’s almost lyrical – maybe it was a song, but John is taking the time to write because he cares for those who are “God’s children.” He cares for those who are mature in their faith and for those who are new believers.

What’s the source of their encouragement?

• Sins that are forgiven through Christ.
• A faith rooted in knowing the eternal Christ.
• A battle won over the evil one who wants to destroy.
• The fact that God’s word has found a place in their hearts.

Ultimately, our encouragement is based on who we are in Christ as we abide in His presence. He is our source of strength.