1 John 2:3-5 – “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him”, NKJV.
This verse is huge because it highlights the core of love for God. Jesus loved God because He knew God (that He is Good and always proposes ultimate good), and obeyed God accordingly. Jesus’ knowledge of God compelled a love for God, which was demonstrated in an obedience that believed in the Will of God to complete the Love of God.
Usually, when we make mention of the word, ‘Know’, what comes to mind is ‘the process of gathering information about something or somebody’. However, that word means more than that. To ‘know’ also means ‘to share intimate and affectionate love with someone’ . For example, “… Adam knew Eve his wife. And she conceived and bore Cain…” – Genesis 4:1. This kind of knowledge can be summed up into the word, Love.
Therefore, Jesus’ example provides much insight into the Biblical definition of love. It is evident that knowledge, obedience, and belief are indispensable components – seemingly inseparably linked – that constitute the essence, sincerity, and completeness of love in terms of our relationship with God.
I believe this was the kind of knowledge of God, Apostle John was referring to in our Scripture Passage. The evidence that we know (ie. love) God is that we will keep His Commandment. In effect, he was reiterating what Jesus had already established, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” – John 14:15.
Nowadays, we have interesting ways of assessing how close a person may be to God. Sometimes, we look at how powerful people preach and the ‘deep revelations’ they carry, as they speak the King James language. But preaching so powerfully before men and not being committed to keeping the Word yourself, amounts to nothing before God.
It is not about the sharply ironed powerful suite worn to church or the fountains of tears shed during the times of worship that prove that we love God. God has a different marking scheme: those who love Him are those who keep His Commandments – very simple. Never be deceived into thinking that in the New Testament Covenant, God is no longer interested in our attitude towards His Commandments.
Though we cannot work for our salvation which is solely by Grace, our works ought to bear evidence of our salvation and our love for God. The right reason for which we ought not to lie, cheat, or be sexually promiscuous, but love our neighbours is simply that we love God. The more we love God, the more we keep His Word, and the more we grow in our knowledge of Him.
As Christians, we should love God out of a deep and right response to the Gospel; and the love relationship we have with God should empower our joyful endeavor to bring ultimate joy to all peoples. Namely, that they may know Jesus. And all that comes with being with Him. Amen
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, please help me to grow in love with You more, being conscious to keep Your commandment as an act of reverence to You. Bless my family, church and nation, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
QUESTION FOR MEDITATION
Assessing my attitude towards God’s Word, do I really love God as I claim to do?
