When I read the Bible I am frequently challenged by the connection made between love and obedience, between faith and deeds. Love is not simply a feeling and faith is not simply a decision to believe in something. Love and faith are active words - they require a lived-out response.
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. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
When we obey God, we are demonstrating our love for him. That is how love is made complete in us.
It is easy when we read verses like this to feel guilt and condemnation because we all fall short of complete obedience. But the aim of these verses is not to heap condemnation on us but to encourage us to live out our love for God by following Jesus' example of obedience. That is a decision that we can make in every moment of the day, whether facing big challenges and trials or a million tiny moments where we can choose to obey God's word or do it our own way. Every time we choose obedience, God's love is being made complete in us, which is pretty amazing!
I created the background for this page by applying a few layers of gesso, then when dry I applied Distress Oxide inks using an oval makeup brush then splattered with water. I stamped the verse using a combination of the new set Fall in Love with Jesus as well as two alpha sets: Happy Alpha and Mini Grunge Type Alpha.
I pray that God's love may be completed in each one of us as we read and obey his word, seeking to follow in Jesus' footsteps.
Be blessed...
x Amy x
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