Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Opening Scripture

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John13:34-35

Opening Prayer

Most Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved by neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me, that I may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

1 John 2:3-14

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Reflection  

In today’s reading, John expounds on the adage: talk is cheap. He makes it clear that a person who claims to be a follower of Jesus, but doesn’t live like Jesus, is a liar. That sounds a lot like the message James shared in his letter:

• Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
• What good is it if a person claims to have faith, but has no deeds?
• Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

John offers a litmus test for knowing Jesus: love. If a person claims to love God, but hates others, “the darkness has blinded them.” John makes the same claim in his gospel when he declares, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

After his strong admonition, John finishes this section with words of encouragement, assuring his listeners (young and old alike) of his confidence in their devotion to God and continued maturity in the faith.

Flourishing Habit

Happiness and Life Satisfaction

Firgun (fur-guhn) is a Hebrew term that describes genuine, unselfish delight or pride in the accomplishments of others. It represents a spirit of generosity and empathy, celebrating someone else’s success without any ulterior motives. Firgun is more than just being polite or giving compliments; it reflects an authentic joy for another’s good fortune.

Do you ever ignore God’s blessing in your life or resent God’s blessing in someone else’s life? When we truly love others, we genuinely rejoice over their success and accomplishments. Unfortunately, our society’s obsession with social media makes it easy to compare ourselves with others. If we’re not careful, it can stoke the fires of jealousy. Ask God to help you truly rejoice with those who rejoice!

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!