1 JohnSýnishorn

John starts these verses with "Beloved," reminding the readers (and us today) that they are dear to him and deeply loved. In fact, John actually called himself “the disciple that Jesus loved” because he knew his identity was in Jesus’s love for him. John then shares that he is writing them to remind them of the old commandment, which is "the word that you have heard." Here he is telling the readers that they have already heard this word or commandment; it is not new. They could have heard this by knowing the scriptures and the commandments God had given in the Old Testament or through Jesus's teachings. Clearly, the readers could have known about the commandment or word in many different ways, but regardless, it was "old."

Scholars believe that John's commandment here is to love others. This commandment is clear throughout the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18). It is clearly shown through the life and ministry of Jesus. Although this commandment is "old," this is old in the sense of knowledge and awareness; in verse 8, John tells us that "at the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you." Here we see that although the readers already know the commandment, they are being called to see it in a fresh and new way after seeing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The commandment to love others becomes "new" when it becomes a part of our lives, and we begin to love others the way Jesus did. When this "old" commandment to love others becomes "new" in our hearts, we have renewed hope, assurance, and passion for loving others. It is clear in this world that the darkness John talks about is still prevalent; however, the true light of Jesus and the light we can shine by loving Him and others is already shining and can never be put out. Remember, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John‬ ‭1:5‬.

Prayer Points

• Thank Jesus that he was the ultimate example of love on the cross.
• Ask God to make his commandment to love fresh and new in your heart today.
• Ask God to give you eyes to see one person today who needs to feel the love of God and show them His love.