1 John 4 reminds me of the moon. It governs migration patterns, mating seasons and ocean tides. At times it is the brightest thing in the sky, and yet it has no light of its own. Today’s lesson is about appearing brighter than we really are. John begins with a bit of wisdom: “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.” Too often we react without considering the validity of information. He says to test it before repeating it. We are easily deceived unless we have a standard of truth. False prophets today spout opinion and omit source citations. They deal in character assassination, rather than the substance of the evidence. Regarding matters of faith, John says: “Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” The entire Christian redemption process begins and ends with Christ’s ability to pay the penalty for our sin by the shedding of His blood. There can be no sacrifice if there is no body. He was able to live a sinless life because he was fully God; and He was able to bear my shame and suffering because He was fully human. We have a Savior that understands our sorrow. John adds another observation: “the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” The Holy Spirit of God indwells all who accept Christ as Savior. We are not immune to the pulls and influences of the world, but we can discern God’s authority. John says we can “recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” Deuteronomy 18:22 explains, if what they predict does not happen, they are a false prophet.
John continues: “let us love one another”; and he urges us to follow God’s example: “This is how God showed His love… He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.” According to John, our expression of love is simply our reaction to the incredible mercy God pours out on us. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” God’s love flows through us and touches everyone around us. Since we are not the source of love, the supply is endless. What’s more amazing is that He chooses to use us as His ambassadors: “His love is made complete in us.” Every time we yield to His Spirit, we allow Him to minister to someone.
The chapter closes with an important reminder that people will observe us before they listen to us. What wisdom are we to share? Pride says that folks need to hear our brilliance. John notes that God has given us His Spirit to say: “We have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.” Even a New Moon is visible, after someone points it out to us. John taught we are to point to the Son: “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them.” From a distance, we have little influence. The reason the moon is significant is because it is close to the Earth. Proximity makes all the difference. John says: “In this world we are like Jesus.” How can that be? We are imperfect beings. Bringing hope into the darkness does not require perfection. The surface of the moon has craters and scars, yet it is magnificent because it reflects the light of the sun. John says: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” We often hesitate to get involved. We fear people will misjudge us. We are too focused on today. John says: “we will have confidence on the day of judgment.” John reemphasizes a point: “We love because He first loved us.” Perhaps we risk being considered a lunatic, but John is clear: “whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” My friend, you have much influence on everyone in your path. Is it time to add words to your witness?