12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 13 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. 14 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.REFLECTIONSWritten by Paul BoggDo you stand in Christ? The author John wants you to know these things by his letter. Are you a child? Perhaps you see yourself as a child of God? Know this: Your sins have been forgiven. Christ has swiped your slate clean. You are now a child of the living God, and you are welcomed by Him to call Him “Father”. Rejoice! The living God, the all powerful, living creator of all things beckons you to call him “Father” as He welcomes you as His child. Are you a father, or even a parent? Perhaps you take care of kids, or are involved in some way in young people's lives, and they see you fulfilling a fatherly, or even a parenting role for them? I reckon there's more young people looking up to you than you realise. Know this: You know the eternal God. The eternal God reveals Himself to you so that you may know Him through His Word. Rejoice! Reflect on His Word in your role to young people - see what God is teaching you about Himself through this. Are you a young man? Perhaps, regardless of age, inside of you beats the heart of a young person. Know this: You have already overcome the evil one. It's already done. Note the two accompanying words in verse 14: You are strong, and the word of God lives in you. Rejoice! Christ has overcome the evil one for you, given you His Word, and enables you to be strong. In summary: If you stand in Christ, what belongs to Christ now belongs to you. Rejoice.ABOUT THE AUTHORPaul is part of our Bossley Park Morning Congregation.