I think most of us will admit that at times we all need to be reminded of things. It may be something we have promised to do or an appointment we have to keep. Today’s technology provides so many ways to keep on top of things but even with all that help, some things may slip our minds.

“Roman slaves and workshop owners were not used to sitting down at table and praying with Torah-observant Jews, and kosher Jews were not used to reading Scripture with prostitutes or migrant workers – and Paul thought this was the greatest vision of God’s way of living!”

This passage is difficult because John does not explain the heresy that he is refuting, a heresy which would have been known to the recipients of the letter. There have been numerous attempts to explain what is meant in these verses by “water” and “blood.” (The CEV opts for one interpretation.

This letter is for all of us who have faith in Jesus Christ, God’s son, the Messiah. John doesn’t say for all of you who call yourselves Christians, as though Christianity is just one amongst an array of religions from which we make a choice. Believing in Jesus isn’t just a matter of acknowledging that he lived.

Although the opening of this letter, unlike 1 John, follows the customary formula – writer, recipients, greeting – it is somewhat obscure to us because of the oblique references to “the church leader” and the “very special woman and her children.” The “church leader” probably emphasizes John’s position of authority in the church, and “very special woman and her children” refers to a congregation.

“Lord have mercy! Christ have mercy! Lord, have mercy on us!”

I uttered those words as I read the horrendous details of the September 2013 shopping mall massacre in Nairobi, Kenya. One bright, sunny day terrorists stormed the mall, shooting and throwing grenades.

 “To accept correction is wise, to reject it is stupid” (v 1). Did that first sentence cause you to pause?  We may agree with it . . . but usually as far as it concerns other people, right? I don’t know about you, but I have yet to meet anyone who likes to be told they’re wrong, particularly about moral issues.