After a group of people left the teachings and fellowship of Christ, they began spreading a false and twisted message about the identity of Jesus. John wrote this letter to his beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, to embolden them with confidence in the knowledge they knew to be true. They were the ones anointed by the Spirit. They knew that Jesus was God in the flesh. They were the ones who knew the truth, unlike those professing to have the knowledge. Just like these early Christians, we are faced with many messages that are contrary to the teachings of Christ, and we can study John’s message knowing his encouragement applies to us as well. We are anointed by the Holy Spirit. We know the truth. We have the knowledge of the Christ who loves us, a knowledge we should be compelled to share with all those around us.