THE PRACTICE OF?
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is. Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.
1 John 3:4-10 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Is it possible to live a perfect life? NO! Only Jesus lived a life without sin. John is not telling us that we must be perfect to be in God’s family. John says, “when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil.” Then he adds, “Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning.” I believe there is an emphasis on “keep on sinning” and “make a practice of sinning.” While I may sin, I do not keep on sinning, nor do I want to make a practice of sinning. If I fully understand God’s love for me then I am motivated to hate sin because of my love for God. This love for God motivates me to be transformed in my choices. I begin to choose to serve and obey God. I want to please Him. My love for God encourages me to invite the Holy Spirit to examine my heart. I want to have a regular checkup in my thoughts, words, and actions to see if there is anything that is opposed to God’s Word. Notice the strong wording in verse 10, “Anyone who does not lives righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.” Wow, that is worth thinking on for a few minutes. Am I living righteously? Am I loving other believers? I can’t claim to be a follower of Jesus and member of the family of God if I’m not living right and loving right.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit show me any area of my life that is not in agreement with God’s will for my life. Help me to be transformed in my thoughts, words, and actions. Help me to truly love others.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”