Verse: 1 John 2:3-6
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.
Thoughts
Is it possible to know God and not obey his Word? This is a really interesting question, isn’t it? Sometimes we’d like to think that all we have to do is love God, and that constitutes knowing him. But John writes something different there.
To truly know Jesus is to follow his Word. Love and obedience are intertwined. They are inseparable. If we truly love God, we will follow his Word. If we follow his Word, we will truly love and know him.
John knows that if we really know God, we’ll know that his Word is not meant to hold us back, restrict us, make life hard, or keep us from enjoying the pleasures of life. If we really know God, we’ll know that his Word is meant to make our lives as full as possible.
Once we know God, we know that he loves us, and has our best in mind. When the Word tells us to be generous, it isn’t to make life hard, it is because Jesus knows life is better when we are generous. When the Word warns us against sexual immorality, it isn’t because God wants to keep us from enjoying intimate relationships, it’s because he knows the best way to have those relationships!
Knowing God and loving God shows us that whatever the Word says, is for our good, because we have come to trust him. And even when it is difficult or doesn’t make sense, we trust that what he says is for our good.
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, that your commands are for my good. Thank you that you often know better than I do, what I need. Help me to know you more, and follow you more closely.
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