Whenever I read the bible, I automatically try to think of the verse or passage being read in today's speak, attempting to see any parallels between then and now. Thus, if John was writing these letters today would he be self-publishing, using YouTube, TikTok or whatever was the social media flavour of the month? It is too 'easy' to forget to think like this, yet, if there are no parallels, no up-to-date meaning for us, why would we read the bible? The bible has to be relevant for everyone regardless of which era we live in, otherwise, it would be no better than an historic novel, or a 'guide to good living' - if we take out the incest, murder, mass slaying of entire camps, lying, deceit, theft, multiple marriages and much more!