Scripture:
1 John5:1-2 – Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.
Observation:
When we place our faith in Jesus that he is the Son of God, we become adopted children of God. To love the Father is to love all of his children, born of Him. We are to love God, love His children and be obedient to Him.
Application:
John is stating three hallmarks of gospel transformation for true believers in Jesus Christ. First, have I placed my faith and trust in Jesus as the living Son of God? Second, do I love God and all of His children? Third, am I obedient to his commandments? This is a simple but effective litmus test for me to check my control versus being Spirit led.
Part of faith is trusting that God is soverign, in control of everything and His ways are better than mine. Love God and love our brothers and sisters in Christ. I can’t claim to love God and have malice in my heart for another believer. Jesus last words in the Great Commission, call us to make disciples and teach them to obey His commandments. I am not going to be able to effectively make disciples, if I am not in obedience myself.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus and adopting us as your children. Let your Spirit guide me to trust you completely, love you and all your children and be obedient to your commands.