We live in a broken world. It doesn’t take too long to see that. As we all have aged, we’ve had to learn how to do our best to live in this reality in a God-pleasing way. We fail often, but we know there is forgiveness and grace. Our kids learn these same lessons and, like we did, often learn them the hard way.
I am so thankful we have the Holy Spirit to give us comfort from our Father in heaven in the words of Holy Scripture. It is really quite amazing to know that God preserved these words not just for everyone but for these specific moments we need them. As our children grow and their experiences become more complex, I’m thankful for the entirety of Scripture that shows them how the Lord works through our messes. I think of David and Bathsheba, Dinah in Genesis 34, and Ruth. But I also think of my favorite passages of comfort from Psalms, Romans, or 1 John.
I think 1 John is quite underrated for parents. It gives us plenty to chew on to process our brokenness and, equally as much, to live in the truth of the freedom found in Christ. Here are some lessons we can savor from 1 John.
Jesus Overcame Sin
The epistle of 1 John begins with setting the intention of the letter. Chapter 1 says, “And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete” (1:4). This sets up an understanding that we need to know sin to fully comprehend the joy in Christ.
1 John 1:8-9 clarifies this more:
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
To ignore or deny our sinfulness will only damage our relationship with God and with our neighbors. Learning to confess our sins allows us to bring everything into the light. I have a saying I use often when discussing sin: Nothing hidden gets healed. Bringing sin to the light allows it to shrivel beneath a loving God; it takes the power of shame away. Our children need to learn that they do not have to live beneath the weight of shame and guilt. Confession is a natural and necessary part of the Christian walk.
Jesus Overcame Death
1 John 2:17 talks about death and eternity this way:
“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
The world’s desires are fraudulent. They do not give what they promise to give. If we cling only to what the world tells us is worthwhile, we will find that it all becomes dust at the end of time. But 1 John 4:9 tells us that on the cross, Jesus overcame death: “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” That we might live. The things that are messy, painful, or just simply unfulfilling will not have the final word. Jesus has overcome death.
Jesus Overcame the Devil
For a long time, I thought of 1 John as only the “love book” of the Bible. But honestly, this letter has much to say about the devil and his defeat.
1 John 5:18 states:
“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.”
In this verse, we see that because of Jesus, the devil has no power over us.
Jesus defeated sin, death, and the devil. Our children can find peace, rest, and wisdom in knowing that the final word on their messes has already been written.
Scripture: ESV®.
Use this month’s Everyday Faith Calendar to walk through 1 John and be encouraged to walk in light and truth.
