Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Making the Impossible Possible
1 John 3:1- 16

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay own our lives for our brothers.”- 1 John 3:16

What attributes define an object of worth? Is it one of sentimental value? Or is it one that fulfills a direct purpose in our lives? Now, if we want to keep this object, how much effort would we put to make sure it remains in our safekeeping? We sacrifice our energy, our time, our belongings, and our sleep to make sure nothing befalls on these objects of great value. John writes about this exactly- about the ultimate offering that changed our lives forever.

In John’s letter, we witness the Gospel at its core- that we are a people who chose ourselves over a relationship with God to embrace lawlessness, leaving us ultimately flawed and broken; that only through the sacrifice of One who is sinless we have any communion with God, and that is through Jesus Christ. John writes to an audience who has heard this and believes in this- because “they are strong” and that “the word of God lives in them, and they have overcome the evil one.” He writes to remind the people of the standard that they are put to; the calling that they must hold dear- that the lives they cherish came at a price. John reminds us of the obstacles that we are to face in this world, and that we, as children of God, should hold onto the ways of good and not to be led astray, but this is the sobering message John professes- are we ready to take on these struggles?

We live in a society that is defined by a constant urgency, yet we lose sight of what we need to be urgent about. John’s letter speaks not only to his audience of the time, but to us in the society we live in today. We are fortunate to have heard the Gospel of truth, but how have we been able to put it to practice? The core of this passage displays the love that God showed to the world, how Jesus sacrificed His life for us- that is the way we can profess the Gospel of love to others. It is by this selfless act of love we can take what seems to be impossible to us, based on our own understanding and efforts, and make it possible through God.

Prayer: Lord, let us learn how to exemplify Your Love to others and to help break the shackles that bind us from preaching the Word. Give us strength to profess Your Love to others in our daily lives. Amen.

Thought for the Day:  God doesn’t use us because we are of merit and capable, but because we are willing. He can take our weaknesses and create in us new strengths. 


Robin Varghese, Epiphany MTC, NY

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