Tuesday, December 27, 2016

NT: The First Epistle of John, Chapter 5

I John 5:1-21

5:1 The core and essence of this statement is that one must discover and develop their connection with divinity manifested in nature and spirit in order to truly be a child of this philosophy. It is only necessary because we cannot understand or work symbiotically with Spirit until we acknowledge its presence and the nature of its intent.

5:2 We can be identified as authentically faithful when compassionate behavior reflects our thoughts and words. We become representatives of this faith and if we do so properly, the people around us can come to know for themselves this faith as the healing and powerful force that it is.

5:3 It is essential that our good works are done not only out of willingness but also out of joy. We should come to understands our lives here on earth as blessed opportunities to make a just and compassionate impact on humanity. An inner motivation to promote the well-being of others is so much more progressive and valuable than to do a good act begrudgingly or for selfish motive.

5:4-5 This philosophy of life, comprised of love, creation and compassion is everlasting. Love manifested is the definition of our spiritual life. To absorb this philosophy is to be absorbed by eternity as a blessed participant. 

5:6 Spirit manifested itself on the earth in human form, but also does so in all elements of nature. John explains to us that our earth and spirit are tethered. Through the elements of earth come (and came) elements of spirit; our origin and destination of soul.

5:7 Spiritual divinity, philosophy and manifested wisdom are the backbone of creation (divine energy). Just as our soul's behavior, beliefs and actions comprise our spirit.

5:8 Spirit is also able to exist here on earth, within these bodies (as we know). We each have a soul being housed and sustained by our bodies.

5:9-10 To discover Spirit, this compassionate philosophy, is to be a witness of its truth. John is particularly stern on this point because he knows how beautiful life can be when understood on this deeper level... he also knows how detrimental it can be for a human to be lost in chaos without it. It is important to him that this philosophy not die because of scoffers.

9:11-13 The testimony of this philosophy is that eternal life is promised and manifested for all participating souls. Eternal life is achieved through compassionate living: through embodying the patience and perspective, compassion and wisdom within this philosophy.

5:14-15 We are deeply loved. By inviting divinity into our lives, we give Him/It permission to edify our souls, heal our hurts and strengthen us in purpose and potential. Through a mutual relationship of trust, our prayers are heard and also granted. God's children pray for wellness and joy, justice and life and He is zealous to abundantly provide those things.

"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if ask anything according to His will, He hears us." Through our spiritual development we create and strengthen our trust in Him, we come to understand that He is passionately with and even within us in every moment. He knows what we need and what would bring us joy and He arranges those things to manifest in our lives. He works to eliminate that which inhibits our joy.

5:16-17 Our life is highly valued. God loves us despite our flaws and so when a person kills an innocent person, their relationship with God becomes more complicated. Sins which lead to death do not include self-defense. Sins which lead to death are selfishly motivated actions and plans.

God works with all of us, knowing our shortcomings. To have shortcomings is different from being evil. Those who are evil do not readily or abundantly have God's forgiveness. Yet either way, a repentant heart is required to learn and grow and find renewal. 

5:18 To be born of this philosophy is the be spiritual strong and wise against opposition.

5:19 The world, the system of life that has been created here on the earth, is in many ways corrupted. It is run by consumerism and hierarchical social systems. To be of God is to be invulnerable to the influence and attempted destruction of corruption. We become able to recognize in-authenticity and evil actions, on large and small scales. We grow a wise defense against their reach into our lives.

5:20 The intention of Spirit manifested was the gift humanity this philosophy of life: this way and wisdom through all of the disparity and chaos of the world. Its intention was the give us a truth, a foundation on which to grow.

5:21 Keep yourself from worshiping inanimate things, for example: money. Putting your confidence, comfort and reverence in anything other than creation will only ever destroy you and prevent you from contentment and even true, authentic joy.