My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.

1 John 2:1-3

Last fall, Patrina and I took a trip through parts of New England. As we drove through the downtown area of a small town in Maine, we came across a street demonstration. Protesters lined the sidewalks carrying signs for their cause, and some were passionately voicing their opinions.

According to the dictionary, an advocate is “a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy” or “a person who pleads on someone else’s behalf.”

For believers, Jesus fulfills that second meaning perfectly. As John reminds us, Jesus is our Advocate — the One who intercedes on our behalf because of His sacrifice that paid the penalty for our sin.

The writer of Hebrews says:

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

Hebrews 7:25

What an incredible reminder of Christ’s love for us. His sacrifice was sufficient, and His grace is available to all who will come to Him.

So how should we respond to such amazing love and sacrifice? Jesus answered that question clearly when He was asked about the greatest commandment:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… And… You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 22:37-39

Because of what Christ has already done for us, we should gladly become advocates for the hope of the gospel — loving God wholeheartedly and loving others faithfully. In a world filled with anger, division, and confusion, our lives can point people to the grace, truth, and salvation found in Jesus.