1 John 2:21 reassures believers: John writes not because they lack knowledge, but "because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth". This statement is meant to edify and build them up, not condescend or condemn them in their hardship. Knowing the truth is intrinsically linked to being in God, as God is light, life, and truth. John establishes a binary matrix for truth: it is either on or off; if there is any falsehood, it is all false. This rejection of the idea that truth exists on a spectrum is a necessary corrective. Having the Spirit allows us to discern right from wrong, but we must choose to listen and apply the Word. Our purpose is not self-centered; we are here to serve God, trust Him, and love our neighbor. Disobedience means rejecting our identity and rulership under Christ.

Get Whispers and Wildfires here. This is a book of poems to settle the soul. By Dr. Dave C. Joseph Jr.,