Tara-Leigh Cobble

Plus, we saw him and touched him.

He was truly human.

And this God-man told us that God is light, completely devoid of darkness.

So to walk with this God means we walk in the light.

And that makes it easy to build community with others who are walking in the light.

We can even confess our sins in the light and it actually serves to enrich our unity.

Whereas darkness and hiding and lying thwarts healthy community.

That's not to say sinning isn't a big deal.

It is.

But Christ advocates for us to the Father because He has already made atonement for our sins.

He's already paid for them.

Our relationship with Jesus changes our relationship with sin.

He didn't just set us free from the penalty of our sins.

He also set us free from the bondage to our sin.

He granted us the freedom from sin that enables us to walk in truth.

Obedience to God is a benchmark of knowing Christ.

Loving others is a benchmark of knowing Christ.

John reminds them of their identity.

You are God's forgiven children.

You know God, and His strength and His word abide in you, empowering you to overcome evil.