Daily Bible Reading – February 2023, "God’s Saving Word: Love"Paraugs

February 14

Introduction

The First Letter of John has two main purposes: to encourage its readers to live in fellowship with God and Jesus Christ and to warn them against false teachings that would destroy this fellowship. Today’s reading describes how God’s Word of life (Jesus) came to earth and was witnessed by those who saw, heard, and touched him. Knowledge of God comes from obeying God’s commands. When we confess our sins to God, we have the assurance of God’s forgiveness and that Jesus, the righteous one, pleads on our behalf.

Scripture Reading

1 John 1:1—2:6

Today’s Key Verse:1 John 1:7

If we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.

Reflect

In the Bible, light is used to describe God or God’s Word (John 1:4-5; Psalm 119:105), and those people or things that reveal God’s truth (Isaiah 49:6). The followers of Jesus are also called “people who belong to the light” (Ephesians 5:8) or “light for the whole world” (Matthew 5:14). Reread 1:5-7. How would you explain what it means to live in the light? What does it mean to you, knowing that Jesus pleads with the Father on your behalf (2:1)?

Pray

Lord, I want to live in your light. Forgive me for how I have failed to live according to your will. Thank you for your forgiveness when I confess my sins to you and for Jesus, the righteous one, who pleads on my behalf. Grant me your grace that I may have new life in you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

1 John 2:7-29: Believers are encouraged to obey the Spirit’s teaching and remain in union with Christ.