REMIND ME WHO I AM

“I am writing…I wrote…”
First John 2:12-14

Here, in the midst of discussions about being light and love as God is light and love, John takes time to remind his readers who they are. Repeatedly in the NT, we see declarations of identity. I wonder how much of our fear and wrong-headedness stems from our inability—or, frankly, refusal—to recognize our identity. We excuse ourselves so easily. That’s just how I am. I’m only human. In truth, God has made us to be new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is not some futuristic wishful thinking. It is present reality. So, here in this passage, John stands upon a mound and declares:

• You are forgiven.
• You know the One from the Beginning.
• You have conquered the Evil One.
• You have known the Father.
• You are strong.
• The word of God remains in you.

The next phrase holds the command that brings us short:

“Do not love the world…” (2:15)

With all our “I can’t help myself” excuses taken away, what is left? The only thing left is that we, as lovers of God, actually choose to love the world instead. John exposes our duplicity. But—and this is HUGE—he also gives us the tools to choose rightly. He tells us who we are. When we know it, it is enough.


Tag(s): lectio

“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/