³ And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. ⁴ If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. ⁵ But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. ⁶ Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Are You A Liar?

Some people don’t like how strong John’s language is in this passage. I mean, calling people liars?!? Is that necessary?

It think he’s just telling it like it is. He’s simply saying, “Look, if you’re in a relationship with someone – a real, genuine relationship – then you’re going to live accordingly. You’re going to want to please them, honour them, love them. Your actions will demonstrate that you are committed to them.”

I meet a lot of people who tell me that they think God is cool. They believe in God. They think it’s great that he loves them. But what are they doing about it? How do you respond to that demonstration of love?

Now, don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying you have to respond in order to be accepted by God. Grace is unconditional. But, we miss the point if we think that all Jesus wants is to forgive us of sin. He wants to bring us a life that is full and complete. And living an abundant life does require a willingness on our part to be in relationship with God. A relationship that requires action on our part.

So, does your life demonstrate your love for God? If not, can you truly say that you love him? Just asking.

My prayer: Lord, help me to live for you every day. Take my life and all my actions and help me to honour you in everything. If there are areas that need to change, show me, so that I may be all you have created me to be. Amen.

Until tomorrow.

¹ My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. ² He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.

An Advocate

According to the dictionary, an advocate is “someone who pleads on someone else’s behalf.” A lawyer, if you will.

John says that we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. And he pleads on our behalf before God the father. So, what does this mean?

Romans 14:12 tells us that one day, “Each of us will give a personal account before God.” On that day, we will stand before God, the Judge, and our entire lives will be displayed. At the end, God will ask for a response. We will have none. We’re guilty. The evidence is beyond refute. It’s there, clearly displayed before us. Perhaps we’ll feel shame. Perhaps we’ll feel defenceless. We’ll be without excuse. Waiting for judgment.

And then, Jesus, our advocate will speak. “Your honour. Father. I stand before you representing this person. Yes, they did all of those things. And yet, they called on my name. They opened my gift of grace, of salvation. They asked forgiveness, and I was faithful in providing it. I have paid the penalty for their sin. Everything you have seen before you has already been taken care of.”

Our hearts will rise within us. Could it be? Could it really mean … ?

God will smile at his Son. He will look at us with a love that is beyond words. And he will smile. “Forgiven. Not guilty. Come in to your reward.”

That day will come, my friends. All because we have an advocate who pleads our case on our behalf.

My prayer: I say it again. Thank you, Lord, for saving me. For doing what I could never have done on my own. I am in awe of your grace. What a day that will be, when I stand before God, empty handed, and yet with you beside me. Wow. Thank you. Amen.

Until tomorrow.

⁸ If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. ⁹ But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. ¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

Faithful and Just

I love this passage. For some, they focus on the challenge that’s found in its words. That you’re fooling yourself if you claim to have no sin. That if you do suggest you have no sin, you’re a liar. Yes, that’s all true. And yes, for some people, that might be where you need to focus with this passage.

However, in my experience, most people have no problem admitting they have sinned. Most of the people I spend time with quickly acknowledge that they have messed up many times. Their issue has nothing to do with claiming to have no sin.

For those people, the biggest issue is accepting that God will forgive their sin. It’s incredible to me how many times I hear someone say something like, “I wish I could believe that God loves and accepts me just as I am. I wish it really was as easy as simply confessing my sin and being forgiven.”

And yet, that’s exactly what this passage says. If we confess, he will forgive. Notice it doesn’t say, “If we confess to a minister or a priest.” God’s the one who forgives. He’s also the one we need to confess our sins to. And when we do, he forgives. He cleanses us.

It doesn’t say, “He might forgive. You know, as long as your sin isn’t a doozy!” No, it says “He will forgive.” It’s a done deal.

In fact, you could read this passage to be saying that if you don’t believe God has forgiven you, then you are calling him a liar. It’s that strong of a statement.

So believe it. Accept it. When you confess your sins, you don’t need to still do something to earn God’s forgiveness. You have it. He’s faithful and just and will forgive.

My prayer: Lord, thank you for forgiveness. And thank you for the confidence that I can have in knowing that you have forgiven me. As I admit my sin, confess it to you, repent and turn away from it, you provide me with the forgiveness and the strength to live for you. Your grace is truly amazing. Amen.

Until tomorrow.