1 John 3:3 –   “Let every person who has this hope (being transformed into the image, nature, and character of Jesus) in him purify himself EVEN AS He (Jesus) is pure.” 

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word, the little Johns crushed me and elevated me to new heights. 

Notice the directive to walk “Just As” Jesus walked.   Who among us can claim that we are fully doing that?    That can be a crushing thought because we know our frailty and deficiency.    Imagine Loving “Just As” Jesus loves.   Who can claim that?   We are flesh, and human emotions are very much alive in us.   We have doubts, fears, desires, ambitions, and individualized dreams.   How can we claim to be selfless when we are not?   That’s why I say this is a Crushing directive.

Then, in 1 John 3 and 4, we are told how to love.  We are to Love not with words alone but with actions.   Love is far more a demonstration than an expression.   Our actions either validate or deny the expression.

1 John 4 and 5 bring us immeasurable Hope!   If we surrender our hearts to God in true humility, Jesus comes to us, and by the Holy Spirit, is “in” us abiding “in” us.    He enables us to live (empowered and enabled) to live life through Jesus.   If we can receive it, it is to live as He lived and lives.  It is Christ “in” us.

In that union and total commitment, we defeat the sin nature and cooperate with the Holy Spirit to “be” in this world “Just As” Jesus was and is.

We can love without fear and serve without expectation of reciprocation.  We can forgive without nurturing our wounds and building defense walls.

1 John 5:18 is incredible.   “We know that Everyone who is born of God does not sin; For He who is born of God Guards Himself, and the evil one does not come near him.”     What?   James tells us that if we submit to God and resist the devil, the devil has no choice but to leave.

• The key:  Submit 100% to God.  Resist 100% the temptations of the devil.
• Guard every Word and thought, making them subjected to Jesus. 

As we grow in grace and love (mature), sin begins to fade into the background because it has no soil in which to grow.   That is the objective of my heart as I ponder the Word today.

We can be free!  Jesus gave us the way!  Today is a new day and a new beginning for Freedom!

Have a great day in His Love and live Just As!