The author of 1 John writes to a community of believers facing a crisis of confidence caused by a group who have broken away and are spreading false teaching. John writes to encourage the believers to remain steadfast—to keep on walking faithfully with God and one another—through knowing and obeying God’s truth, living in love and fellowship with one another, and maintaining confidence in their salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Ultimately, John longs that these believers will experience the fullness of joy and deepen fellowship with God and with one another, even in the face of difficult circumstances.