Observation: the author of 1 John writes to the whole community, and makes sure yo know all age groups are included. Twice each, "fathers," "young people," and "children," receive a special word of encouragement. Each word is centered not in their own skills and personal accomplishments, but in God's action.
Application: this direct address from God's word, not just to adults but to youth and kids, is an important place to go when we forget the answer to the question, "who is the church?" Kids and youth, as I hope you've heard before, are not just "the future of the church." They're the church now. They're baptized. They're called by Christ to make disciples, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so in ways we haven't dreamed of yet. The church is truly the church inasmuch as it can incorporate the gifts of all its members, from youngest to oldest.
Prayer: God, thanks for the gifts of young people. Help us listen to them, and as your Spirit leads, follow them. Amen.
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