How We Know

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:17-19) 

John the Beloved teaches us that God is love. When we love as He loves, we are actually manifesting the true and living God in the world, so they are without excuse because of our witness. God’s love is undeniable and unmistakable, as it is of a higher order than the world’s love, and no other love can be compared to it. God’s love is without manipulation or agenda, it gives its all and expects nothing in return — it is not exhausted nor frustrated, because God is neither exhausted nor frustrated. Therefore, when we abide in Him and He abides in us, we enjoy the perfect union that casts out all fears of failure, inadequacies, and shortcomings that typify every other relationship. We even experience fear-free and uncomplicated relationships with others, because we are pursuing those friendships according to God’s will and not ours! We are fearless lovers of God and men, because of our complete immersion into the life of the Spirit and our status as perfected, justified, glorified children of God. This is the state of His children who are fully identified with Him in love. We have nothing to fear, because Christ has defeated Satan and sin, and we are in Christ . . . because as He is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17) 

What a privilege it is to be representatives of Christ in a desperate and needy world. When we identify with the Lord, we are changed from within, and we no longer desire to pursue our own agenda for those around us (even our “Christian” agenda), but we are completely surrendered to the Lord’s will for every life. We are confident that He who has begun a good work in us will see that work completed, and we are not encumbered by the fear that torments every man who does not know Jesus as Lord. That man knows in his heart that he will give an account for his words and deeds; and if he does not acknowledge that, it is because he is puffed up with pride and deceived in his mind — The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1) We, however, declare Him boldly, continually, and fearlessly. That’s how we know we are the children of God! 

 

Let's Pray - Father, thank You for the blessed assurance that I am Your child. You are perfecting me in Your love, and I have great faith and confidence in Your power to finish the work You started. Amen.