Observation: As John is an apostle full of the Holy Spirit, he writes a letter in the most spirit-filled manner. It is addressed metaphorically to a "lady" - which is the bride of Christ, his church - and discusses her children ... the body of believers. In that same spirit, John clarifies the true "work" of believers. He is overjoyed to see that many believers live their daily lives in full belief that Jesus is the Messiah, and obeying his teaching. It is this faith and obedience that is the command of the father. However, he then reenforces the "new commandment" that is directly from Jesus at the last supper ... to love one another.
It is critical that this command truly be at the heart of Christian life, pertaining to the interaction of believers. It is the one thing Jesus adds to the differentiate believers. And if John is "overjoyed" to see that believers are truly walking in the truth of Jesus, yet needs to remind us to love one another, it is clearly one of the hardest instructions to obey.
Application: I know there are Christians I don't like. I can make a lot of excuses about their behaviors, attitudes, or flawed perspectives initiating that attitude, but those are just excuses.
Loving everyone in the Church is a journey ... even John knew that. He is the disciple who repeatedly talks of love and tells of the command to love one another, so he knew that this was a struggle. He likely struggled to love the other disciples, and we know he had conflicts associated with respect with some church leaders in later life. So loving everyone else in the church is not a switch I can just flip. But it is an attitude I can adopt and strive to practice. It is a 'default' position I can begin with upon meeting others.
Prayer: Lord, may I more and more love others in the church. I believe I have improved in this, but I have a long way to go as well. This is important, and it is your command, Jesus. I will strive to do it. Amen.
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