Verse of the Day for Thursday, May 2, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Thursday, May 2, 2024

1 John 5:14-15

And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.

1 John 5:14-15, found in the New Testament, is a passage within the First Epistle of John. This epistle is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, though some scholars debate this authorship. Written in a pastoral and affectionate tone, it addresses the Christian community about themes of love, faith, and assurance in Jesus Christ. The epistle, as a whole, is aimed at reassuring believers of their faith and encouraging them to live in harmony and love.

Boldness in Prayer: The passage begins by highlighting the 'boldness' believers have in approaching God. This boldness stems from a deep-seated faith and trust in God’s love and benevolence. It is not a presumption but a confident assurance in the relationship they have with God through Jesus Christ.

Aligning with God’s Will: Central to this scripture is the concept of asking "according to his will." This emphasizes that effective prayer is not about imposing our desires onto God but aligning our requests with God’s will and purpose. It suggests a prayer life that is not just about personal requests but one that seeks to understand and embrace God's larger plan.

God’s Attentiveness: The affirmation that God hears the prayers of believers is a source of great comfort and assurance. This does not imply that every request is granted as asked, but it reassures the faithful that their prayers are not ignored or overlooked.

Certainty in God’s Response: The passage concludes by asserting that if we know God hears us, we can be sure that our prayers, aligned with His will, are answered. It's a statement of trust in God’s wisdom and timing, acknowledging that the response to prayer may not always be as expected but is always within the framework of God’s benevolent plan.

Overall, these verses from 1 John encourage believers to approach God with confidence, align their desires with God’s will, and trust in His response to their prayers. It highlights a mature understanding of prayer not merely as a request mechanism but as a means to deepen one's relationship with God and align oneself more closely with His divine will.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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