Changed by His Love
1 John 3:3: And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
An unbeliever who sins is a creature sinning against his Creator. A Christian who sins is a child sinning against his Father. The unbeliever sins against law; the believer sins against love.
This reminds us of the meaning of the phrase so often repeated in the Bible: “the fear of the Lord.” This indicates that God’s children hold their Father in reverence and will not deliberately disobey Him or try His patience.
A group of teenagers were enjoying a party, and someone suggested that they go to a certain restaurant for a good time.
“I’d rather you took me home,” Jan said to her date. “My parents don’t approve of that place.”
“Afraid your father will hurt you?” one of the girls asked sarcastically.
“No,” Jan replied, “I’m not afraid my father will hurt me, but I am afraid I might hurt him.”
She understood the principle that a true child of God, who has experienced the love of God, has no desire to sin against that love. 1
Loving Him
When the hope of heaven is deeply planted in your heart, it will have a purifying effect on how you live. If we live recklessly, we really do not believe what Jesus has said about His certain return. If we live a life committed to sin instead of sanctification, we should really question if we are truly saved. If there is no pursuit of purity, there is probably no reason to believe that you have experienced a saving hope from Jesus.
Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. 2 Peter 3:14
Loving Others
When you live with a holy fear, you fear ever offending the Holy One.
Make Me Like You
Lord, use Your prophetic Word to purify the way I should live for You.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
