“I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:21
Knowledge makes you responsible. Once you know truth, you cannot claim ignorance. From that point on, everything changes. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” 1 John 2:3-5. It follows that just because God is love, doesn’t mean He loves sinful behavior. Does a doctor love the cancer just because he loves the cancer patient? If we love Jesus, we will keep his commandments. Obedience is the measure of our love. Love dramatically affects our attitude.
- You make sacrifices for those you love. You may go without so the person you love can have the things he/she may want or need.
- You think about that person often. You want to be together with the one you love.
- You share secrets with the one you love. Whether it’s something good or bad, you want to confide in someone you love.
- It makes you happy when your loved one is happy. When the one you love is happy, it makes you happy.
- You get upset when the one you love is upset. When that special person is hurt or upset about something, it affects you.
- You care more for the one you love than you do yourself. You show more concern for the well-being for the one you love than yourself.
- You communicate with the one you love. You spend countless hours talking about anything and everything.
- You show affection to the one you love. You don’t feel embarrassed about showing public affection.
- You want a future with the one you love. You think about spending a lifetime with the one you love.
- Despite disagreements, you want to be with the one you love. Arguing happens, but you don’t let that argument tear you apart.
Beware of the “Doesn’t Matter” syndrome. (Doctrine doesn’t matter; lifestyle choices don’t matter; belief system doesn’t matter.) Translation: There are no rules, no prohibitions, no compulsory doctrines. Real Translation: “I make up my own rules. I do whatever I want to do.” That’s not the language of love. In fact, your love for God doubles as your greatest protection against future deception. This Scripture states it succinctly:
“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.
Knowledge negates neutrality. Once you have it, you are obligated to respond. “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you … and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. 1 John 2:22-29.
Did you get that? Christ’s coming inspires confidence. When you consider the fact that Jesus is coming, does it excite you or scare you? Truth-bearers possess a greater responsibility to God and to others. They can only be saved if we share the Good News!