Day 32—1 John 5:1-5
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God:by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of Godovercomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
We are born again into a new life with God when we believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 5:1). We get to start over. We become a child of God, able to claim freedom over our lives instead of sin. All we have to do is believe that Jesus is the Son of God, love God and claim it as truth.
Collectively, as a church we are children of God. We should love each other as we are believers in the body of Christ, but in a way worthy of Christ. It is a true testimony to the working of God that many people with different thoughts and opinions can be unified together because of our common belief and an admonition to love each other. Also, in loving each other, it should not be difficult because we are united as believers.
God explains that all of His commands are easy to follow because He helps us overcome our sins and we need only depend on Him. He overcomes our sins; He helps us. Not that we will never sin again, but that we are able to overcome our sins through Him.
Jesus went before us to the Cross so that we don’t have to be punished for our sins. He bore our sins for us, leaving this world but also overcoming the world through His death and resurrection. So, when we put our belief in Him it enables us to overcome the world too. Not only do we have the strength to tackle the temptations before us today, we also have hope for everlasting life! (See also 1 John 5:11-12)
Dig Deeper
Do you ever find it burdensome or difficult to follow the commands of God? Why or why not? Which command do you find most difficult to follow?
Family Talk
John writes, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments” (vs. 3). What is the difference between obeying God out of love for Him versus keeping His rules to avoid His punishment? What do you do when you don’t want to obey? Have you ever asked God to help you love and obey Him?
Chosen Words 