October 23, 2026 | Be Connected
Continuing in Christ
Scripture: 1 John 2:28-29(NIV)
28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.
Devotional
The New International Version translates verse 28 with the challenge to “continue” in Christ. This word is the exact same Greek word translated as “remain” in the previous few verses (see yesterday’s devotion). Another way to translate this Greek word is with the English word “abide.”
Continue. Remain. Abide. I like this good way for us to think about our relationship with Jesus. It’s not like the Hokey Pokey, where we put our right foot in only take it back out. A relationship with Christ is more like being adopted into a family. There’s no such thing as a healthy hit and miss, now and then family relationship.
That’s why this same Greek word is sometimes translated “dwell.” Being part of God’s household means we move into God’s house. We are called His children. God is our Father. Jesus is our Brother. We dwell with the family of God.
This Greek verb is also sometimes translated “endure.” Everybody who has ever been married, been in a family, or had lifelong friends knows there are times you simply have to endure. Things aren’t perfect in relationships. Same with life.
Continue.
Remain.
Abide.
Dwell.
Endure.
Which English translation speaks to you when you consider your relationship with Christ?
