What I found was a surprising similarity between the situation of the church back then and the church today. 1 John addresses a community that has been hurt by division. What was a unified group of believers devolved into a split over the humanity of Jesus, the reality of sin, and the command to live a life of love. The separitist group left, presumably to form another church or no church at all. Out of this crisis, the letter (or sermon) of 1 John was written.
Today we face similar circumstances. What once was a culture that unified around church (as well as government, schools, et al.) is now a culture that no longer finds meaning in these institutions. People are splitting off, finding other things to do. Churches are left behind wondering what happened and what it all means. Even in our current crisis, the letter of 1 John still has wisdom.
God is love, and out of this never-ending source of love, God sent us Jesus. Jesus showed us how to love each other. Those who have Jesus have life because Jesus has power over death, darkness, and despair. Avoid these idols, recognizing that sin is real. Instead walk in the light as God is light. As we do that, we will have fellowship. And as we have fellowship, we find the joy of God is in us. And as we stick to it, we find that our joy is becoming more and more complete. And more than anything, little children, love one another. Repeat as necessary.
It takes courage to live a life of faith. But even courage is a gift. -- David
