Loving God

View daily reading plan: 1 John 5.1-3

Those who are “born of God” are people who believe, and never stop believing, that “Jesus is the Christ”; they believe that “Jesus is the Son of God” (v.5). Genuine saving faith in Christ results in solid adherence to “the doctrine of Christ” (2 Jn v.9); commitment to that doctrine is a feature of the family of God. Such people will love their Father and consequently love their fellow-believers.

How can we assess if our love is appropriate and valid? Love for God’s children is interwoven with love for God and keeping His commandments. Love for God’s people will never condone their sin or assist them to violate God’s commandments. Love “rejoiceth with the truth” (1 Cor 13.6, RV).

Following  the teaching of vv.1-2, “the love of God” (v.3) must mean our love for God. Once more the stress is on works and not words, keeping His commandments proves that we love Him. The word “commandments” sounds very demanding, but John assures us that “his commandments are not grievous”. Assistance to implement divine commands is always available and immense pleasure is derived from obedience (Ps19.11).

Wednesday, 15 May, 2024