The Evidence is Love

1 John “Evidence of being a true disciple of Christ.”

Beloved is one of John’s favorite words, and he uses that word as he pens this book to those he loves. The reason is that Jesus gave this commandment:
“I give you a new commandment – to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples – if you have love for one another.” [John 13:34,35] As we step from darkness into God’s light, we will demonstrate these three qualities: love, abiding, anointing. Each of those qualities marks the believers/followers of Jesus.

John assures his readers that because Jesus is our Advocate, we can trust that if we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us. [1John 1:9] In addition, He has given us the Holy Spirit to bring thoughts to our mind and direct our steps if we are yielding, He will give us understanding. [John 14:26]

This same Holy Spirit releases His Fruit into our lives so that we can walk in the same manner as Jesus did. Our fruit is to love one another so that “we may have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame when he comes back.” [1John 2:28]