That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched…
1 John 1:1
John begins with what is tangible, real, and close. He doesn’t start with theory or clever words; he starts with experience. Faith was never meant to stay in our heads. It’s meant to be lived, felt, carried. We carry it. We carry the Kingdom wherever we go.
Proclaiming the Word of Life
“This we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” — 1 John 1:1
Our testimony always points to Jesus. The focus isn’t on the messenger but on the message. What we share — in ministry, in fellowship, or in quiet moments — should guide hearts to Him. True words of encouragement build up the body in humility and love.
“The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.” — 1 John 1:2
Jesus made eternal life tangible, visible, knowable. God reveals Himself first; our role is to testify. Living faith isn’t abstract. It flows through our routines, struggles, joys, and prayers. We share what we know. We carry the Kingdom.
Fellowship with Others
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us.” — 1 John 1:3
Fellowship is a gift. Sharing what we experience draws hearts together. It creates life in the body of Christ. Community doesn’t need to be flashy — presence, honesty, and love are enough.
Fellowship with the Father and the Son
“And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” — 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with God isn’t just a nice idea or a distant principle — it’s living connection. John points to intimacy, alignment, and shared life with God. It’s the ongoing, everyday communion where our thoughts, hearts, and actions are in rhythm with Him.
- Fellowship means we can speak honestly to God, not just recite words.
- It means we listen expectantly, waiting for His Spirit to guide our steps.
- It means our lives reflect His presence, in small choices, daily routines, and how we love others.
Living in fellowship with the Father and the Son doesn’t make us perfect — it makes us present. Every prayer, act of obedience, and gesture of love is an opportunity to experience and extend that fellowship.
Joy That Completes Us
“We write this to make our joy complete.” — 1 John 1:4
Joy flows naturally from fellowship with God. It isn’t constant excitement, but quiet assurance that He is near, even in unfinished places. As we live what we know, share what we experience, and carry His Kingdom, our joy grows full — for ourselves and for those around us.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, thank You for inviting us into fellowship with You and the Father. Help us live in that closeness every day. Let our faith be real, our love tangible, and our words and actions build others in humility. May we carry the Kingdom wherever we go and experience the fullness of joy You offer. Amen.
We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:3
Recommended reading: 1 John 1:1-4.
Igniter Ministries 