This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. - 1 John 2:3 (WEB)
The apostle John offers a profound yet simple test of authentic faith: knowing God is evidenced by obedience to His commandments. This verse invites us to reflect deeply on the inseparable link between knowledge of God and the practice of His will in our daily lives. It challenges believers to move beyond mere intellectual assent and into a transformative relationship marked by action.
Humility: The Foundation of Obedience
Humility is the soil in which obedience grows. Recognizing that God's commandments are not burdensome but loving guidance requires a heart willing to submit. The ancient context of 1 John reveals a community grappling with false teachings and moral confusion; humility was essential to discern and embrace true doctrine.
When we confess our need for God’s wisdom and strength, we open ourselves to His transforming power. This posture dismantles pride, which often resists obedience, and instead fosters a spirit receptive to correction and growth.
- Daily prayer for a humble heart
- Seeking God’s guidance before making decisions
- Listening attentively to godly counsel
- Confessing shortcomings honestly before God
- Serving others selflessly as Jesus modeled
Courage: Walking in Obedience Amid Challenges
Keeping God's commandments often requires courage, especially when the world’s values clash with divine truth. John’s early Christian audience faced persecution and social pressure, yet they were called to stand firm. Courage empowers believers to live faithfully, even when obedience is costly.
Obedience is not passive compliance but an active, courageous commitment to live out God’s will. It means choosing love over convenience, truth over popularity, and holiness over compromise. Such courage is birthed and sustained by the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us to persevere.
True knowledge of God manifests not merely in belief but in the bold practice of His commandments. This courageous obedience is the hallmark of a vibrant faith that honors God and blesses others.
“Obedience is the golden key that opens the door to intimate knowledge of God.”
In embracing both humility and courage, we embody the essence of 1 John 2:3. Our journey of faith is thus marked by a continuous cycle of submission and boldness, learning and doing, knowing and living out God's truth.
May we daily commit to this path, knowing that obedience is both the evidence and the means of truly knowing Him.