Devotional: Hope for All

1 John 2:2, 9-11 “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world” (1 John 2:2, NASB). Have you ever noticed that there are some people who are so holy and religious that they set themselves apart from others? They talk as if they are the only ones that God cares about. To me, it sounds like they believe that they alone are loved by God. They alone know the ways of God. God forgives them of their sins, but God will not forgive others of their sins. John writes to affirm all people. All people have worth. All people are flawed, but all people have an advocate with the Father. All people are given the opportunity to come out of the darkness and to enter the light by believing in Jesus and obeying His commands. Those who believe that they are in the Light but hate others are actually in the dark. They walk in the darkness. They stumble because they do not know where they are going. They do not know the truth about what is right in the sight of God. We are reminded of the two greatest commandments given by Jesus. Those who walk in the Light loves God above all else; and they love others as they love themselves. Love, means that we know that there is hope for everyone because of Jesus. Prayer: Our Father, we thank you for your love. Help us to know that you love others also, even those who do not believe in your Son Jesus. Help us to make you known to others by loving them. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.