1 John 3:16-20

Hi girls!

I'd like to share a particular section of my commentary on verses 19-20 of today's study! It is SO well-written, and such an encouraging end to John's section on what true love looks like and how we should put it into practice. I don't know about the rest of you, but I know I definitely wonder why loving others sometimes comes so hard, and feel as if I always have a million miles to go on my faith journey. I believe God is growing me all the time, but sometimes I feel blind to any progress.

Paul Kretzmann says in his commentary to comfort us:

"A believer naturally wants nothing to do with hypocrisy; he wants to be, rather, a child of the truth, a follower of the truth, also in the matter of brotherly love. The love shown to the brethren is in itself an evidence, a proof, of the new spiritual life in the heart of the believers. As the Christian, however, grows in sanctification, he will often find that his heart is dissatisfied with the progress made, and therefore proceed to accuse himself of lack of love. It is true, of course that, as in all matters pertaining to the righteousness of life, so also in the matter of brotherly love, we are far from perfection. And yet we can reassure ourselves before the tribunal (any accuser), in spite of the condemnation of our heart. For God is a greater, a more reliable Judge than our heart, and he has given us the definite assurance in his Word that all our shortcomings in the matter of perfect righteousness will be made up through the perfect righteousness of our Savior, as it was imputed to us by faith. He who knows all things also knows that, in spite of our faults and weaknesses, we are His children by faith in Christ Jesus, and that our imperfections are not due to our lack of spiritual willingness or to hypocrisy. Thus we may defend ourselves against the condemnation of our own heart."


To God be the glory for the generous, amazing portion of grace he extends! And that He goes an extra measure to comfort us when our consciences are too sensitive regarding our behavior. We are never "quite there" and yet He knows us better than we do, that we'll pick on ourselves, accuse ourselves relentlessly and be tempted to give into works righteousness. Thank you Lord, for keeping us centered in your grace, remembering all we are and have is only because of you. (And please continue to strengthen our love muscles! With your help we strive to run from selfishness every day!)

Have a wonderful evening :)
Love, Cait