John provides crucial reassurance in 1 John 2:20: "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know". This contrasts with the antichrists who "went out from us". This statement is a gentle, loving reminder, not a corrective, affirming that God has us and our salvation is secure. John likely refers to Pentecost; believers received the power of the Holy Spirit and know where they belong. As a father reminds his struggling children of their past strengths, John encourages the readers that they have already demonstrated what they are capable of doing. The work of the Holy Spirit is dynamic, meaning God can speak to individuals differently, and we should be excited about this. We must engage in practices like reading the Bible and praying to hear from God and feel safety. We do this not to gain something, but because we have already received something.

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