Highlighting – “the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” (v.6)
This chapter of 1 John is jam-packed with teachings from John that we can apply to our lives today and use to evaluate / check ourselves in our Christian walk. In these verses, John tells us that the person who says he / she knows Jesus but doesn’t keep His commandments is a liar. On the other hand, for the person who does follow His commandments, God’s love is perfected in him / her. If we do not live as Christ did when He was on earth, then we truly don’t abide in Him as we believe or say that we do. I’ll be the first to say: it’s not easy to walk in the same manner as Christ did.
Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are adopted into the Kingdom and should allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us to lead a life reflective of Jesus. It is not by our own effort that we will succeed, but by fully surrendering to the Holy Spirit to do His work, will we be able to truly emulate Christ. Doing so doesn’t come without difficulty, whether from unbelievers or other practicing believers. Why? Because when you make the decision to follow Him, you will also suffer similar persecutions that He went through simply because you’re a disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus dealt with ridicule, false accusations, betrayal, etc. Now that you’re His follower, do not be surprised when you receive the same. Here’s a reality check: everyone isn’t going to love you and that’s fine (John 15:19)! Not everyone who encountered Jesus loved Him, but He was still perfect, blameless and victorious, we know this because He is now seated at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2).
Colossians 3:1 – 4 says:
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
What an awesome assurance we have as the children of God and believers in Jesus Christ! Let us keep our joy and peace in Him and focus on Him no matter the circumstance.
Dear Father, help me to remain steadfast in my Bible study and prayer life so that I may develop my relationship with You. In reading the Word, I will grow to have a better understanding of how Christ lived. For you say heaven and earth will pass away, but Your word will stand. Please help me to not grieve or quench the Holy Spirit so that He may work in me as He sees fit. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!
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