John had been close to Jesus. He had thought, for a long time, that Jesus had promised John would never suffer mortal death. But God keeps all of his promises. In some ways, John died at least twice. Killed by Romans who wanted to silence his cult, John survived and died later, possibly of old age. He wrote this letter in Ephesus probably around the year 98.
John and Peter, of all the disciples had a special relationship with Jesus. Jesus even allowed them time to commune with Abraham and Moses. John writes in a particular style that is also evident in his letters and in Revelations. Earlier, John had written that Jesus was the Word made flesh. That flesh was sacrificed by God, as a gift to those whom God loved, so that God could abide them Because eternal life is close proximity to God. And to perish is to be utterly riven from God.
Pastoral care is a strong part of any community. Clearly this Christian community had issues and cliques had formed. So John needed to remind them of what love meant.
If we focus on ourselves, and ignore others needs, we do wrong. It doesn’t heal us to ignore others. It harms us. The way to show love is to love. And to love, one becomes part of the community one lives in. You shouldn’t harm yourself through selfless heroics, but you should give. You don’t need to be rich to give. You can listen, you can soothe with kind words. Remember, God loves you.
God has given you a path you can follow. His gift to you also makes it easier on those you love. Because everyone is like you, and by you showing love for them, you show love for yourself as well as love for God. You don’t need an excuse to be kind. You need only be kind.
https://rumble.com/ve76c1-bible-quote-feb-27th-1-john-49.html
John and Peter, of all the disciples had a special relationship with Jesus. Jesus even allowed them time to commune with Abraham and Moses. John writes in a particular style that is also evident in his letters and in Revelations. Earlier, John had written that Jesus was the Word made flesh. That flesh was sacrificed by God, as a gift to those whom God loved, so that God could abide them Because eternal life is close proximity to God. And to perish is to be utterly riven from God.
Pastoral care is a strong part of any community. Clearly this Christian community had issues and cliques had formed. So John needed to remind them of what love meant.
If we focus on ourselves, and ignore others needs, we do wrong. It doesn’t heal us to ignore others. It harms us. The way to show love is to love. And to love, one becomes part of the community one lives in. You shouldn’t harm yourself through selfless heroics, but you should give. You don’t need to be rich to give. You can listen, you can soothe with kind words. Remember, God loves you.
God has given you a path you can follow. His gift to you also makes it easier on those you love. Because everyone is like you, and by you showing love for them, you show love for yourself as well as love for God. You don’t need an excuse to be kind. You need only be kind.
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