“This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.” 1 John 3:19 NIV
When John uses the words, “this is how we know”, he is referring to the previous verses where he talks about love expressing itself in practical good deeds. John’s point is that self-sacrificing love is the mark of the Christian, whereas self-centred hatred is the mark of the world. In today’s verse, John is dealing with those questions of doubt that arise as to whether we belong to the truth or not. To KNOW that we are walking in love and in truth is not an outward show of care and compassion to impress others. It is not the whipping up of false emotions or feelings, nor is it the suppression of a guilty conscience. We will know we are of the truth when we love others in word and in deed, as Jesus Christ loved us. This knowledge will comfort us and assure our hearts before Him, for our inner being and God-given conscience will not condemn us. As we walk daily in surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading, the love of Christ will flow through us to others, and that Christ-like love becomes the identifying factor in each of our lives. The words that we speak, the acts we perform, and the motive behind all we do, will be rooted and grounded in love for Christ and a true devotion towards others. As we live and work for Christ’s praise and glory, we will know we are walking in spirit and truth. May we be so in tune with our Lord and Saviour, through His indwelling Holy Spirit, that our inner conscience is clear before Him.
PRAYER THOUGHT
Holy Spirit, through Your leading, may our lives reveal Christ’s love to others.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord Jesus, as we live and work for Your praise and glory, we will know we are walking in spirit and in truth. May our lives be in tune with You, through Your indwelling Holy Spirit, that our inner conscience is clear before You. AMEN
I.B.R.A. Readings
Genesis 37:17b-28
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