Is this passage the Apostle John's plan for discipleship? 

We can grow so much stronger in our faith together than we can on our own. The things that make community challenging - are the very same challenges that can be so helpful when it comes to discovering thoughts that hinder us from being blessed by community. When we humbly lean into those challenges - God can work in our hearts to transform us - nourish our souls, heal us.

It's so useful to be invested in growing our prayer times, Bible study times, meditation and worship times etc.

But there is something about those revealing moments - that demonstrate where my ego is still calling the shots, or my insecurities are getting in the way of loving others. 

We could talk discipleship-theory all day - but John has cut to the chase here. He's stream-lined it. Simplified it and boiled down to its barest bones growing as a Christ-follower. 

Love Jesus openly. Love others continuously. Then you'll be one with God and He will abide with you. 

That was the whole goal wasn't it. 

That's the Kingdom of God on earth. 

That's what we get to offer with our gratitude for the work Christ's done in us.