" Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will set our heart at ease before Him, that if our heart condemns us, that God is greater than our heart, and He knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commandments remains in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He remains in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."
-1 John 3:18-24
Jesus sums up God's list of commandments for His people into these two: love God and love your neighbor (Luke 10:27, Mark 12:29-31, & Matthew 22:37-40.) He also says if we love Him we will keep His commands (John 14:23-25.) Here in 1 John 3 we are reminded of this litmus test as to whether we truly mean it when we say we love our Lord. In the same way that we are called to bear fruit acting on our devotion to Jesus, we are called to do the same for our neighbor. You've heard the phrase "actions speak louder than words" Well, it's true. Jesus displayed His love for us with more than just a word. He was will to give His life acting solely for the well being of us rather than Himself.
We are to live as a reflection of that love toward those in our own lives. Of course we can't give of ourselves for every person we meet with a heroic act like taking a bullet or pushing them out of the way of an oncoming car. But we can use the many blessings and skills God has given us to serve them and meet whatever needs they may have; whether that means providing a meal and shelter in times of poverty, or being a comforting friend in times of heartache (Matthew 25:34-40.)
But how do we know if we are living up to this tremendous calling? We have the Holy Spirit. An often overlooked part of our daily walk with Christ, He will convict our hearts making it known to us when we choose to put our own desires before what Christ has called us to (Ephesians 4:30-32.) He is also our counselor (John 14:26) constantly teaching and reminding us of the way we should go. The Spirit assures us when we're keeping Jesus' commands and living in a way that honors Him. We will be able to boldly go before the Father with our requests, hearts clear of any conviction or condemnation. As God's children, we are to be set apart and love with more than just words. It seems like a hard path to follow, and it is. But we are not alone. Jesus has provided us with the Spirt of Truth which dwells in us and guides us as we seek to live a life that reflects His unconditional love for us.
Thank you for reading! I hope revisiting this short devotion from the Summer 2022 Newsletter encouraged you today. I pray you seek opportunities to love others the way that Christ loves you. I also pray that you rely on the Holy Sprit for wisdom in how to best live out what the Lord calls you to do.