1 John 5:2 In this we know that we love the children of God, whenever we love God and do his commands.
ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι ἀγαπῶμεν τὰ τέκνα τοῦ θεοῦ, ὅταν τὸν θεὸν ἀγαπῶμεν καὶ τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ ποιῶμεν.
Loving God is linked to obedience to God’s commands. The word “command” is used 10 times in this short letter, which shows its emphasis. 1 John 3:23 states that the command is to love one another. By loving God’s children, we are fulfilling God’s commands. Likewise, if we do not love, we are disobeying and breaking God’s commands. This statement is simple and obvious, but the challenge is actually how to live it out. What does it mean to love God’s children? Love must be expressed outwardly for it to reach its fullness. If we keep in only in our minds, it is only a thought. It may have the right intention, but intention only goes so far. Intention must be followed up with action. The action may take on many forms but will lead to helping others get closer to God and God’s purposes for them. By loving, we join in God’s purposes for people. Whatever God wants to do in a person’s life, which will be powered by God’s love, is the very type of thing we should also be involved with in that person’s life. We become the extension of God’s purposes for that person. The outcome will be similar to what God’s love accomplishes in a person’s life. God’s love draws people to God’s redeeming grace and recreation. Our love should also draw people to this same grace and recreation.
For older posts, click here.