Last Sunday we had a "family service" at our church. You know, where the parents and children are all part of the service together. I know this is hard on the parents, so we don't do this often. But sometimes I wish we did because I just love the atmosphere it creates! It makes me feel like I am part of a much bigger family; like I have lots of moms and dads and brothers and sisters and grandparents. Sometimes I feel that same way when reading the letters of the apostles to their churches.
In verses 12-14 of this chapter John addresses the children, the Fathers, and then the young men. He's writing to these different age groups directly. He has something to say to the children, and he addresses them specifically. I love that. It gives the sense that the families are together as they read these letters. That the whole church is together as they read these letters.
But it seems like the Western church is sliding away from this kind of church and family unity. Our society promotes independence and individuality; "don't let anyone tell you what you to do." Young people grow up with this. They're struggling to figure out how to become a "man" or "woman," and it seems like parents either aren't there to tell them how, or they think they have lost their voice in the matter completely.
Look at the emphasis in all that John is saying in those three verses. It's all about the children's, father's and young men's relationship with God. The children knew the Father (vs 13), the Fathers knew him who was from the beginning (vs 14), and the young men had the word of God abiding in them (vs 14). The family's were together, and a relationship with God was central at every age.
How does this compare to your family experience?
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