Do I live like Jesus?

The Apostle John is consumed with the purity of Jesus life. It came down to one thing in John’s mind. It is all about love. Jesus is all about love. That is the essence of the commandments. That is how Jesus lived.

May I live like Jesus. May I mature my love.

“Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:6 The Message)

How do we know we are keeping God’s word?

How do we know we are keeping God’s word? Now that is a very reasonable question. God has said so much, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

The answer from the Apostle John (the one whom Jesus loved) is stunningly simple. Do we see God’s love in someone? Then they are keeping God’s word. That is what it comes down to over and over again. Love god. Love everyone else. That is the summation of the word of God.

It is in fact the only way to be certain.

“But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:5 The Message)

What is love?

We like think we know a lot about love. It doesn’t start with us however. It starts with God. He initiated everything. And He proved His love for us. He gave us a great gift. How stunning. Our identity is based on His love.

It is all done. It is a new plan. His love led to sacrifice that brought us into right standing. How amazing is that?

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10

 

Am I a liar?

The Apostle John can be direct. I think he learned it from Jesus. No point beating around the bush so to speak.

Jesus was clear. There are 2 commandments that we need to focus on. Love God. Love everyone else. That sums it up and it is pretty easy to remember. If we say we are a Christ (Messiah) follower and don’t do that, we are a liar. We aren’t following Jesus.

May I live, as a Christian, the way Jesus said I should. May there be no doubt about it.

“If someone claims, “I know him well!” but doesn’t keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his words.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:4 The Message)