1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
- P44
7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.- P45
9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
- P45
John instructs believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This is necessary because many false prophets have gone out into the world. God’s Spirit and the spirit of the world are distinct: Those who know Jesus Christ acknowledge God’s truth, but false teachings come from worldly or demonic sources. - P46
Like the believers in John’s time, Christians today are faced with messages that claim to be spiritual or godly but contradict Scripture. We encounter these messages on social media, in books, sermons, or even in well-meaning advice. We must rely on the Spirit’s guidance and the testimony of Scripture to discern truth from deception. - P46
Let us prayerfully evaluate teachings, remain rooted in God’s Word, and ensure our faith aligns with Christ’s teachings, not worldly influences.- P46
Dear heavenly Father, help me recognize truth from deception in the messages I come across each day. Fill me with Your love so I may love others selflessly, reflecting Your presence. - P47
May my heart mirror Your grace, bringing unity, hope, and Your light to the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.- P47
The writer warns believers to test the spirits because of the many false pro-phets in the world. Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has comein the flesh is from God. God‘s children overcome the world because of theone who is in them. God showed His love by sending His Son into the world,
and believers ought to love one another deeply, as God loved them.- P45
John teaches that love originates from God. God exemplified what lovelooks like by sending His Son into the world to become the sacrifice hethrough which our sins are forgiven. And because God first loved us, weare now called to love one another. Authentic Christian faith is expressedthrough selfless, sacrificial love, reflecting God‘s presence in our lives. - P46
Wehave many opportunities to live out this truth in a world often markedby division, selfishness, and indifference, where loving others—especiallythose who are difficult to love-feels countercultural. Applying this passagemeans intentionally practicing love in daily life: forgiving, serving, andcaring without expectation of return. By doing so, we not only obey God‘scommand but also reveal His character to others.- P46
