( 1 Joh 2:12-14 ) - [ Deutsch ]
“Remind me each morning of your
constant love,
for I put my trust in you.
My prayers go up to you;
Show me the way I should go.”
Psalm 143,8
You have chosen this Bible verse, dear Paul.
It's always good to know the way. Do I go this way or that way? And when I ask someone for directions, it's important to trust the person you're asking. Even more so when it comes to questions of life and faith.
Paul, you trust that God will show you the path you should take in life. And you ask him to do so.
It's nice: there are good and straight roads in life, some decisions are easy. But there will also be forks in the road in your life and you will probably not be spared detours and potholes. And there will certainly be dry spells along the way.
Then it's good to know what has supported and sustained you in life so far. And it's good to be in a congregation with people who treat you kindly and support you. And reminding that God is walking with you in your life and wants to show you the way.
This is also what John does in his letter, from which today's sermon text comes: he promises Christians something anew that he has already promised them of in the past. It is the foundation that he reminds us of. It is faith, and it is what trust in God has brought about and will bring about.
I read from 1 John 2:12-14
12” I am writing to you, my children, because your sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ.
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have defeated the Evil One.
14 I am writing to you, my children, because you know the Father. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you are strong; the word of God lives in you, and you have defeated the Evil One.”
Dear congregation, you will have noticed as soon as you heard it. John only addresses the men in his letter. But I want to believe, even if it doesn't say so: the mothers and girls and young women are certainly included. That's how it was back then: women didn't play a major role for the writers of the biblical books. Fortunately, times have changed. Basically, the good news in this letter applies to small, young and old people alike. Regardless of age, you need others to remind you of what sustains you in life.
John begins what he has to say with kind words.
He says: Dear children.
The way you start a speech plays a big role, because it sets the mood. A friendly tone helps a lot. It's not just what I say that's important, but how I say it. My tone of voice is noticed. I can say almost anything in the right tone, and almost nothing in the wrong tone.
John is not only concerned with what he has to say, but with those to whom he speaks, with whom he obviously has a relationship. When I am addressed in this way, I should not only open my ears, but also my heart.
Like a red thread, this form of address is a recurring theme in the New Testament.
The early Christian communities also argued and struggled about the new faith. But, I am certain of this: where people address each other as "dear brothers and sisters", a tone is set that takes nothing of the seriousness out of all the arguing and wrestling, but nevertheless points the way. How does faith affect our lives?
This is the question behind the 1st Epistle of John. The letter reminds us that love is part of a Christian's life:
For those who believe, there are consequences: By this we realise that we know him, if we keep his commandments. Anyone who says: I know him and does not keep his commandments is a liar ... Anyone who follows the example of Jesus, on the other hand, can be recognised by his merciful actions.
Being loved by God and loving others are closely connected. This is why the 1st Epistle of John can formulate: "God is love; and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him". Love is the criterion for my thoughts and actions. The theme of our Sunday also belongs to living in love. Namely forgiveness. It ensures that I am not forever stuck with my guilt. It helps me to breathe again and look ahead. And to try to forgive others who have been guilty against me.
John reminds the congregation that anyone who calls himself a child of God is forgiven of all sins and nothing separates him from God the Father. The relationship with God is in order and nothing can disturb it, no sin, no devil. You children, let me tell you that your life has become a new one, a different one, when you recognise this and accept it for yourselves.
Dear Paul, I hope that you can also accept this.
God is love. And he wants to have a relationship with you that always gives you strength to live in the here and now and at the same time gives you confidence for everything that comes in your life. You were promised this at your baptism, and you will hear it again today on the day of your confirmation.
Baptism and confirmation are embedded in our church life. God's love is for you, who are part of the congregation. Together with you, we all live in the same confidence. The church is the community of the redeemed; free from fear, because nothing in this world can separate us from God and his love. In everything that happens to us, we are accompanied by God and inscribed in his book of life. Even where a "you" in the Bible suggests that I am only meant individually, it usually means "you as part of the church that believes and hopes with you".
Living in such love, sharing the certainty with brother and sister, means that I no longer really have to be afraid of anything. I live without fear and full of confidence. And go my way. In the midst of the community. God shows us the way into the future. Amen.