I John 4:1-21
4:1 Within each human is a soul. The character of person's soul is their spirit. John is teaching us to become "street-smart." A common misconception about spirituality (and maybe Christianity especially) is that person must be soft. The truth is that this philosophy teaches us to become strong and wise. We are urged to become perceptive and to be strong enough to winnow falsity and corruption from our lives with strength.
John does not want us to be deceived, influenced or controlled by any person. Therefore, we must always seek truth in people. We must observe their behavior, not just their words.
4:2 There are many false religions and religious teachers in the world (in every religion). Unless a person has adopted a philosophy of compassion, truth and justice, that person is not of God. What does that mean? It means that person contradicts our creative nature and our origin. That person contradicts life's ability to thrive.
4:3 The influences and spawn of evil are abundant in the world: greed, arrogance, manipulation, deception, vengeance, frustration, anger, disparity, lethargy, apathy, pessimism, injustice.
4:4 Through this philosophy we become stronger than all of the aforementioned. We are not controlled by anything but our own informed thoughts and capable hands.
4:5 The motivations of the world encircle consumerism; insatiable greed leads to every injustice committed here. A greedy soul is a product of the world rather than spirit. Although the natural earth is a beautiful, miraculous and blessed place to be, the world humanity has created here is in many ways corrupt. Therefore, a soul of this world communicates only with the desires of this world.
4:6 Our spirituality creates communication between ourselves and nature, divinity even. Through our perception and intuition, we discover often-overlooked wisdom and understanding. Spirituality enables our thoughts and hopes to be heard and in the most inexplicable way, answered. We learn to discern truth from error in every person and situation.
John does not want us to be deceived, influenced or controlled by any person. Therefore, we must always seek truth in people. We must observe their behavior, not just their words.
4:2 There are many false religions and religious teachers in the world (in every religion). Unless a person has adopted a philosophy of compassion, truth and justice, that person is not of God. What does that mean? It means that person contradicts our creative nature and our origin. That person contradicts life's ability to thrive.
4:3 The influences and spawn of evil are abundant in the world: greed, arrogance, manipulation, deception, vengeance, frustration, anger, disparity, lethargy, apathy, pessimism, injustice.
4:4 Through this philosophy we become stronger than all of the aforementioned. We are not controlled by anything but our own informed thoughts and capable hands.
4:5 The motivations of the world encircle consumerism; insatiable greed leads to every injustice committed here. A greedy soul is a product of the world rather than spirit. Although the natural earth is a beautiful, miraculous and blessed place to be, the world humanity has created here is in many ways corrupt. Therefore, a soul of this world communicates only with the desires of this world.
4:6 Our spirituality creates communication between ourselves and nature, divinity even. Through our perception and intuition, we discover often-overlooked wisdom and understanding. Spirituality enables our thoughts and hopes to be heard and in the most inexplicable way, answered. We learn to discern truth from error in every person and situation.
4:7-8 We must cultivate a vested interest in the well-being of humanity. Love is the energy and material of creation; it is the most crucial element of life. To be devoid of love is the be devoid of everything.
4:9-10 Humanity came into existence through and out of love. The earth does not need us. Certainly the universe does not need us... yet here we are. We are here because were are wanted and cherished. We are here to be loved. We have to understand the energy and the intention of the our divine universe because within it are the truths were brought us about. Divinity has selflessly manifested itself to come to us to share its wisdom and offer its love.
4:11 The inspiration to love others can come from the realization that we are loved even for just being. Nature is our example: we are provided for without selfish motives and it is hoped that we do the same.
4:9-10 Humanity came into existence through and out of love. The earth does not need us. Certainly the universe does not need us... yet here we are. We are here because were are wanted and cherished. We are here to be loved. We have to understand the energy and the intention of the our divine universe because within it are the truths were brought us about. Divinity has selflessly manifested itself to come to us to share its wisdom and offer its love.
4:11 The inspiration to love others can come from the realization that we are loved even for just being. Nature is our example: we are provided for without selfish motives and it is hoped that we do the same.
4:12 It is imperative that we realize God's description, everything He/It is made of is alive, present and tangible in our actions of love.
4:13 Divinity has given life to us but also lives within us if we become a host for it. The conditions it thrives under: love. When we become a host for love, we join in a symbiotic relationship: we provide an outlet for its generous work and it provides our wisdom, comfort and strength.
4:14-16 We must think deeper and broader than the man. Jesus as a Messiah, as a prophet, as a kind human, as a bright soul, as a manifestation of love is a teacher to humanity. We are taught this philosophy of love and those so absorb it and project it abide within God... and God abides within them.
4:13 Divinity has given life to us but also lives within us if we become a host for it. The conditions it thrives under: love. When we become a host for love, we join in a symbiotic relationship: we provide an outlet for its generous work and it provides our wisdom, comfort and strength.
4:14-16 We must think deeper and broader than the man. Jesus as a Messiah, as a prophet, as a kind human, as a bright soul, as a manifestation of love is a teacher to humanity. We are taught this philosophy of love and those so absorb it and project it abide within God... and God abides within them.
4:17 This philosophy works to make our souls strong and confident in our personal objectives and values. It works so hard so that at the culmination of our lives here, we are happy with the work we completed. So that we can define our lives to have been productive and impactful.
4:18 The foundation of this faith is in love, and truth and trust. In order to have the symbiotic relationship, the two parties must communicate on some level (even an energetic level of having the same intentions for humanity). There is no need for fear. When you work together with God, the light of His love disintegrates anything threatening to cause you harm.
4:19 Through the development of our faith, we come to love divinity for a multitude of reasons. Our first step can be this: to return love which has been freely given to us. Gratitude for a bold, consistent and fierce love.
4:18 The foundation of this faith is in love, and truth and trust. In order to have the symbiotic relationship, the two parties must communicate on some level (even an energetic level of having the same intentions for humanity). There is no need for fear. When you work together with God, the light of His love disintegrates anything threatening to cause you harm.
4:19 Through the development of our faith, we come to love divinity for a multitude of reasons. Our first step can be this: to return love which has been freely given to us. Gratitude for a bold, consistent and fierce love.
4:20-21 Without love, you cannot be a host for this philosophy. Plain and simple. The symbiotic relationship cannot be sustained without love, appreciation for the lives of others.
