It isn't that Jesus only loved John, or that John was more loved than the other disciples, it was this: John knew that Jesus loved him, loved John just as he was and loved him as he could be. John, Peter, and James were like brothers to Jesus and on the day Christ was crucified, John knew Jesus loved him more than any one had ever loved him before.
John wrote three letters just to encourage Christians, when Christianity was about a generation old. He felt it necessary to add his heart and his words to pump-up the churches then found to be in some decline. The church was confronting the problem of declining commitment. Many believers were conforming to the world's standards, failing to stand up for Christ.
One of the greatest messages he left for the people of the world is the truth as Christ taught. In I John 1, verses 8-9, it tells us: "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."
Whew! That's saying it like it is!
I remember one time when I was at work in a church office helping with a mailing with about five others. Someone suggested that we discuss "sin." After some thought, a couple people said aloud what they thought their worst sin had been or still was. We prayed for each one as they spoke. One woman said, "I don't sin." We were all flabbergasted! (Old fashioned word.) We didn't know what to say. I wish I had been knowledgeable of John's first letter at that time!
Another problem could occur, we can hurt ourselves and our relationship with God if we can't quite believe we are really forgiven for something, If we have asked for forgiveness, we have received forgiveness! Not believing we are forgiven is not trusting God to do what He says He will do!
I can't quite remember the source for this: Return, Repent , Renewal, (God's)Redemption, Rejoice! Five R's might help us remember how to stay out of the dog-house. (Remember: God loves Dogs ...and you ANYWAY!) Pride might keep us from falling on our knees and God hates self-righteousness. I confess, I am familiar with both! But do your best and be sure to remember to Thank and Praise Him, which I suppose is part of that last R.
I'm sure some of you might have been able to add a lot of insight into this meditation or whatever you might call it. I wish you to! But if it helps only one person yearning to belong to God, I'm happy!
And happy to be out of the sick-bed at last! No..no tears!
Your Friend in Christ,
MN Jo
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