Twelve times. “I write to you.” In the book of 1 John, he states why and for who he writes twelve different times. I appreciate people with a focused mission.
John wrote Truth to caution people against sin. He wrote because sins were forgiven. He wrote because his audience knew Jesus, therefore they knew the Father. John scribed, “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have heard since the beginning….yet I am writing a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you…(1 John 2:7-8 NIV).
John’s tone indicates urgency. He reassured believers that Jesus forgave their past and Truth lit their future. John taught his listeners about Jesus’ powerful life and purposeful death. This wasn’t up-to-the-minute news for his audience, but John reiterates Jesus’ quest twelve times in five chapters.
In my Journal the Word bible, 1 John 2 headlines a bold-faced title: “Reasons for Writing.” Initially, I snickered at this subheading because as an author, I thought, “Of course. State the obvious, John.” I write to live. For me, writing isn’t a pastime or luxury. It’s a critical practice for my spirit and soul care. Home is wherever my pen and paper reside.
John speaks Truth, written in a black and white contract without the fine print. Jesus’ word is His covenant with believers. He’s sealed it with His blood. Through his writing, John packaged and hand stamped Jesus’ message to all generations.
Grateful for John who forwarded Jesus’ love letter,
Christina
“Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:7-8 NIV).