This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:2-4
“Therefore let us assist one another, that we may also lead the weak upward as touching that which is good, to the end that we all may be saved: and let us convert and admonish one another. And let us not think to give heed and believe now only, while we have departed home, let us remember the commandments of the Lord, and not suffer ourselves to be dragged off the other way by our worldly lusts; but coming hither more frequently, let us strive to go forward in the commandments of the Lord, that we all having the same mind may be gathered together unto life.”
Clement (A.D. 35-99) was bishop of Rome from 88-99 when he was martyred in 2 Clement 17:2-3 (translated by J.B. Lightfoot).
In today’s Scripture, John reminds us to carry out the commands of Christ. And he clarifies that they are not burdensome but rather they position us to be overcomers. Related to money, John might add that Jesus is not trying to rob us but rather help set us free from its power over us.
One generation later and near the end of the first century, Clement urges the Christians in Rome to assist each other and especially the weak to remember Christ’s commands. When we don’t do this, the world overcomes us. We are dragged off by our lusts and sinful tendencies.
In modern times, the same is true. The commands of Jesus related to money aim to teach us to trust God to supply, to enjoy and share His blessings, and to grasp life by practicing hospitality and generosity in community. Every generation is tempted to forget. We must not let it be us.