“No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” – 1 John 4:12 

Scripture reading: 1 John 4:13-21

A great struggle for many Christians over the centuries has been in relation to the assurance of their faith. They wonder how they can know they are truly saved. In order to prove their faith, some have turned to doing extreme things. So extreme, they have made a mockery of the very faith for which they wanted assurance.

We don’t need to do or feel anything extraordinary to “prove” our faith. The test for the genuineness of our faith is quite simple: “If we love one another, God abides in us…” This is something so simple, you might have to read it again. It says that in our everyday relationships, we have our faith confirmed.

This is where “love” is so vital. The Greek word for this is ‘agape’ – a type of love beyond sexual attraction and even deeper than our best friendships. This is the love shown perfectly in the doing and dying of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we love each other in this selfless way in which He loves us, God is living in us.

Note the end phrase: “…and His love is perfected in us.” God is working toward our perfection. He is doing it and sooner than we think, we’ll be spotless in God’s presence. Imagine that: In our lives right now, He’s preparing us for that great event!

Suggestions for prayer

Praise God for all He’s done and is doing in us. Thank Him it’s not up to us, we only have to rest in Christ’s finished work.

Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.