And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
1 John 2:28–29
One day we will see Jesus, and John wants that day to produce joy rather than fear. He does not say, “Try harder so you will not be ashamed.” He says: “Abide in Him.”
A huge difference exists between living for approval and living from love. In Christ, we have been brought into His family as loved children.
John calls us “little children” because that is who we are. Sometimes we stumble, but we are still His children. Our Father loves us, and we have no reason to hide.
We pursue righteousness because the Lord has adopted us as His children. We love because our Father loves. We pursue holiness because our Father is holy. We practice righteousness because we have been born of God. When Christ appears, we will finally see the One we have been trusting.
Father, thank You for calling us Your children. Teach us to live from Your love rather than trying to earn it. Keep us close to Christ so that when He appears, we may stand before Him with confidence and joy.
Abiding Until He Comes,
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