I Know that I Know

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
1 John 4:13-17

You want new life. We all do. Newness is something we crave. A do-over, fresh start, new identity. This God-given thirst has us reaching for self-help books and coaches and counselors and programs to help us achieve this new way of living.

But a God-given desire can only be satisfied by God Himself. And while tools and wise people are helpful on this journey, there is only one way to know whether we've achieved new life.

Only the Creator of life can create new life in you. Cry out to Jesus. He is Lord. He is Messiah, Savior, Life-giver.

If you do this, you will know for sure: I have new life! (If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 1 John 4:15)

The Holy Spirit helps us to understand that Jesus Christ is Lord, and it is the Holy Spirit who gives us assurance that we are children of God. Where would we be without His guidance and grace?

When you know you have new life in Christ, you can be confident that your eternal destiny is secure. Nothing can separate you from His love for you and in you.

New life in Christ gives you the ability to be like Christ, to love even when you're not loved in return. This is really the mark of a true Christian - that we lay down our lives for others, regardless of whether they deserve it, just like Jesus did.

None of us could do that on our own; our flesh is too weak. Only by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit and the glory of Christ's example can we live in love.

Live in your new life, friends. By God's grace, you can be like Christ even now. Walk in love. Listen to the convicting, encouraging, empowering voice of the Holy Spirit. And be like Jesus in this world so all can see that He truly is the Life.