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.
