1 John 5:9-13 (NRSV)
Read 1 John 5:9-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son.
Verse 10Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. Verse 11And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Verse 12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. Verse 13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Devotion
Perhaps several generations after Peter and his community, the First Letter of John is written to believers, but now ones whose witness seems to be threatened by division. Throughout the letter those considered as the faithful among these believers will be called by the endearing terms of “Beloved,” and “little children,” but in today’s verses the main descriptor is “you who believe.” The author speaks of a serious ministry and purpose in the face of those who might be a threat to the central confession of the Christian witness: “I write… so that you may know that you have eternal life.” This proclamation will sustain and guard a beloved faith community in the midst of threats from those around them. We have eternal life. You have eternal life. And that life has been given to us in the gift of the Risen Jesus and in the continuing witness of faith to the good news of the Resurrection.
Prayer
God of grace, you love us as your children and promise us eternal life with you. May that be our central constant and sufficient faithful witness and life. Amen.