1 John Chapter Five

Read Today's Passage

I get the very distinct impression that the recipients of John's letter needed a thorough explanation of just what love is. Again in this chapter we see more explanation that in order to be called Christians we need to love God and follow His commands. But what sin is John talking about that does not lead to death? Is it just sins that do not affect the physical body directly, such as lying, stealing and cheating? Or is it something else entirely? And why are we only supposed to pray for those who have committed sin that does not lead to death? Are we talking grieving the Holy Spirit here, or something else? Perhaps we need to look at what else John has said about Christians. According to John, people born of the Spirit do not sin willingly, so is this here implying that it is not a Christian sinning, a person who has willingly sinned in such a way that they have delivered themselves into Satan's hands? Is it public sin? Visible? How do we see it? Or perhaps this person who we are forbidden to pray for is not only someone who has not been truly born of Christ, but claims to be and is sinning willingly while being a part of the church? In that instance should we not pray for blessings of life on that person, but judgment, reconciliation and forgiveness for that person? Lots of questions..

I do love how John wraps up this letter, with a plea for the readers not to give into idolatry. For what is at the heart of idolatry, but love and devotion for something other than God?

Hmmm...

(Check out the commentary for the second half of this passage)