1 John 2:28-29 (NLT2)
28 And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.
Don’t you love how John stays focused on just a handful of ideas as he writes? Relationship, fellowship, boldness, and doing right are on the list. And after all, what could mean the best life for anyone?
Confidence sets anyone free to function at their highest level. Usually, guilt feelings are experienced by someone who is guilty. So John advises anyone who desires to leave out shrinking back from Christ in shame at His coming, instead to live in fellowship with Him.
Remember fellowship is agreement that results in joint participation. If you want the freedom of a good conscience, live in what you know will agree with your companion and joyfully anticipate his/her arrival. If you want courage without shame, do what is right. What are some hindrances to such a life?
Do they usually develop in big, crushing misdeeds or much smaller compromises that start keeping you up at night?
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