Journey WitnessesSample

In a very simple and very pastoral letter, John writes to those he has been called to shepherd about the profound simplicity of love. Despite the difficulties of following Jesus in the first century, John reminds these believers that perfect love and peace are found by abiding in Christ. He reminds them that although the world does not know or understand what it means to follow Jesus, our community, our sense of belonging, and what we consider to be home is not found in the world, but as children of God. 

It is this new belonging that compels us to live and act differently, to strive for righteousness, and to live as examples of Christ. It is through the display of love that we are known to be followers of Christ and worthy of being called God’s chosen ones. 

To be a follower of Jesus means you are in community. It means you enter into relationships that are deep and meaningful—with God and with others. You are part of a tribe. A tribe runs deeper than just a friendship or a social club. Tribes are bonded by blood— inseparable. Together, we are free from sin and called to be a community on mission to proclaim the gospel’s saving power through Christ.