Reflections
December 28, 2025
Who—or what—are you becoming? The Apostle John reminds us that we are children of God, being shaped into His likeness by what we focus our hearts and minds on. Just as a mirror reflects whatever stands before it, our lives mirror whatever captures our attention. This message encourages us to pause at the end of one year and the start of another, asking “Am I reflecting Christ or something else?” As we fix our gaze on Jesus, we discover not only who He is but also who we are becoming in Him.
Passage
1 John 3:1-10
Principle
You ##become## what you ##behold##.
Practice
Create a plan to spend more time ##reflecting## on ##Jesus## in 2026.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple’s or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
How much “screentime” have you had in the past week? What most took up your time on your device (social media, email, games, videos, etc.)?
HEAR
Read 1 John 3:11-15 & Genesis 4:1-7
- Why did Cain kill Abel? Why does John point to this story?
- Have you ever hated (or disliked) someone because they were better at something than you?
- Why is envy the enemy of the kind of love God calls us to have for one another?
Read 1 John 3:16-18
- Besides the numbers being the same, why is this known as “the other John 3:16”? What is the connection between these two verses?
- What practical suggestions does John offer for “laying down your life for your brothers and sisters”?
- Read James 2:17-19 & 26. How important is it that we demonstrate our love for God and one another? What are some ways our group demonstrates love for one another and for God?
Read 1 John 3:19-24
- John says that “by this we shall know and be reassured …” What is the THIS to which John is referring?
- Does John believe that our feelings are a reliable way to be confident before God (vs 20-22)? Why do you agree or disagree with this? What does John say is the source of our confidence before God?
- What is God’s commandment? (Read John 15:12 & 17)
HUDDLE
Is there a person or a group of people whom you are having difficulty loving? What is the issue? What do you need to do to love that person the way Jesus commands us to love? Discuss it, invite accountability, and take the time to pray.
Daily Reading
Read carefully and slowly through 1, 2, and 3 John this week. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Make note of anything that stands out to you and ask God to help you apply His Word to your life.
- Day 1: 1 John 1
- Day 2: 1 John 2
- Day 3: 1 John 3
- Day 4: 1 John 4
- Day 5: 1 John 5
- Day 6: 2 John 1
- Day 7: 3 John 1
Passage to Memorize: 1 John 3:2
Think Deeper
- What occupies most of your mental and emotional attention during the week?
- How does fixing your eyes on Jesus transform the way you see yourself—and others?
- What one daily rhythm could help you “reflect Christ” more clearly in the coming year?
Suggested Resources
Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer
Soul Keeping, by John Ortberg
Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.