"By This We Know"

  "By this we know" appears often in the book of I John. The letter is a letter of encouragement and confidence. One can rest assured of the eternal connection and safety because of "by this we know."

  "By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments." (I John 2:3) The commandments of the Lord don't seem to effect as many as the ideas and thoughts of religion. Too many make things sound good and people quote and buy in but if it is a clear statement of direction from the Lord, it seems to be ignored.

  "By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked."  (I John 2:5) How did Jesus walk? Listening to everyone speak of God or did He listen solely to God, His Father?

  "By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit."  (I John 4:13) What does the giving of the Spirit mean to those whom He abides in? "No one has been God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us."  (I John 4:12) The practice of love is found in those whom God dwells within. Love isn't picked just to those who we are close with in relationships. Love is practiced because of God.

  "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments." (I John 5:2) How important is observing the commandments of God to you? Do you find yourself seeking for and putting the things God desires from you first and foremost?

  In contrast to these thing, the conclusion is as follows: "And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." (I John 5:20) How about you? "By this we know" is what determines truth in our lives!