March 2, 2018 – I John 4:3-4

And we can be sure that we know Him if we obey His commandments. 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. I John 4:3-4.

As a child, these lyrics touched my heart…I would be true, for there are those who trust me, the third verse  begins, I would be faithful through each passing moment; I would be constantly in touch with God!

In adulthood, this innocent desire to be true becomes more difficult. I learned, I can lie, even to myself.  God knows my heart and my mind!  O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. Psalm 139:1-4.

How does God know without a doubt we truly love Him? By obeying His Commands to love Him and love others, even as He does. Those who say they live in God, should live their lives as Jesus did! Jesus is the key to truth and the ability to love.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud  or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. This is Love! I Corinthians 13:4-7

But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. I John 4:5-6.