Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. - 1 John 2:9-10
As followers of Jesus, we all desire to know Him more deeply and to live in a way that honours and pleases Him. But what does it mean to truly know Jesus? In 1 John chapter 2, the author gives insight into this question by encouraging us to walk in obedience and love.
The chapter begins with a reminder that our knowledge of Jesus is not just about having the right beliefs but obeying His commands. The author writes, "We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands. Whoever says, 'I know Him,' but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person" (1 John 2:3-4).
However, some people interpret the meaning of "keeping His commands" differently and may use this text as evidence for reverting to the law.
The idea that "keeping His commands" in 1 John refers to a return to legalism or obedience to the Mosaic Law is not in keeping with the context of 1 John or the broader message of the New Testament. 1 John emphasizes that the new covenant in Christ is one of grace and love rather than law (1 John 4:7-12). The author stresses that obedience to Christ is a matter of love, not legalism, and that true obedience consists of a genuine relationship with Him (1 John 2:3-6).
According to the context of the book of 1 John, keeping His commands means obeying Jesus Christ and living a life that is consistent with His teachings. The commands of Jesus are summarized as loving God and loving one another (Matthew 22:37-40). The author of 1 John emphasizes that faithful obedience to Christ involves more than just a surface-level adherence to these commands, but a deep and sincere commitment to following His ways in all areas of life. This involves walking in the light, confessing our sins, and striving to live a pure and holy life, as He is pure and holy. Ultimately, keeping His commands is a manifestation of our love for Him, and a reflection of our desire to honour and glorify Him with our lives.
This may seem like a harsh standard, but it is a gracious invitation to walk in the freedom and joy of a life aligned with God's will. When we obey His commands, we experience the fullness of His love and the blessings that come with living in a relationship with Him.
But the author doesn't stop there. He says the one who loves God must also love their brother and sister. "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble" (1 John 2:9-10).
This reminds us that our relationship with Jesus is not just about our piety but about how we live with those around us. When we love our brothers and sisters, we live in the light of His love and grace, and we witness the transformative power of His gospel.
So today, let us seek to know Jesus more deeply through obedience to His commands and love for those around us. Let us walk in the light of His truth and grace and be a light to the world through our love and service to others, for it is in knowing and loving Jesus that we find our life’s true purpose and joy.
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