16 December | EVERYONE
"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1 John 5: 3-5
John frequently uses the verb 'to know' in his writings. As we have already seen, for the people of his time (of Greek culture), knowledge was focused on its theoretical, speculative, and empirical aspect. Through contemplation, or deep thought, the Greek philosophers came to many conclusions that were often valuable but not always accurate, like those that Plato extracted about love and friendship or Aristotle about ethics.
John's "knowing" is different, as is biblical knowledge in general. It has nothing to do with theory but with experience. That is why he says he knows Jesus; and when he speaks of the Savior, he writes what he saw, heard, and what his hands touched (see 1 John 1:1-3).
But in his day, there were many who claimed to know Jesus without having had a personal experience with Him. The result was paganism masked as Christianity. These people were trying to bring light and darkness together, and then John tells them that real knowledge has to do with experience and not just theory. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” And he adds, “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4).
When a person truly loves another, they want to see them happy. The same is true in the Christian life. If you love Jesus and, as we read in today's text, are "born of God," you will delight to do His will. You will not feel His commandments are a burden, but you will be "born" to keep them. Following Him will make you happy, and the growing love that comes from meeting Him will make you want to stay with Him.
Take Action
By being "born of God," God’s unconditional love becomes yours. In this way, you will love all people better and better. After all, this is what keeping His commandments is all about (see Romans 13:10). Give your life to Jesus, and you will enjoy loving others! Sing "Who Is He Who Overcomes the World?" (if possible, with your family).