Thursday 22 November, 2018

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

John has just been letting us know in the previous paragraphs that if we sin we have forgiveness through Jesus. But this isn’t so that we can live life any way we like – with an easy out. The point is if I am saying that I’m a believer in Jesus, a Christian, then I am to live that commitment. I am to live as Jesus did (v6) –  loving God with all my heart, soul & mind & loving others. Our lives are to be different.

This seems to be a pretty tall order and John is pretty straight in calling us liars (hypocrites) if we don’t change our behaviours & don’t match up our words with lifestyle. John has told us that if we sin, there is forgiveness, as Christians we have the Holy Spirit living within us as the helper – God knows we can’t do this life alone, John is calling me to be different, to honour the sacrifice that Jesus made for me.

Lord Jesus, convict me of the areas where my life does not match up with your commands, where I do not honour your sacrifice for me. Lord may my love for you and others be obvious in my life. Jesus thank you that you know that I will need forgiveness and that you have made that ultimate sacrifice for me.

Written by Suzie Hodgson