August 19, 2020: SOAP #3912:  Jeremiah 48-49; Psalm 67; 1John 1

Scripture:  1John (NIV) 1:6 If WE claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, WE lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if WE walk in the light, as he is in the light, WE have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies US from all sin.

Observation:   It is a short chapter of only 10 verses.  Yet the number of personal plural pronouns caught my attention.  In these 10 verses, 20 times we read “we.”  6 times we read “us.”  5 times we read “our.” 

John was writing as a part of church leaders; in verse 3, “WE proclaim to you what WE have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with US.” 

John was writing to a body of people of which he was a part:  in verse 7 “if WE walk in the light as he is in the light, WE have fellowship with ONE ANOTHER.” 

Application:   It is John’s way of emphasizing the need for relationship and fellowship.  The Christian life was not designed to be lived by one’s self.  WE need each other.  It is impossible that offenses will not come, but The Great Forgiver lives in me and has commanded me to forgive.  Every time I forgive my brother and sister, I honor the forgiveness I have received.    

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, in your wisdom, you place me in the body of Your Son, Jesus.  Holy Spirit, help me honor Jesus by joyfully and faithfully doing my part as a part of His body. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!