And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as He has commanded us.
1 John 3:23 (ESV)
When we consider that the list of the Ten Commandments is divided into two parts, the first focusing on our love and faith in God and the second on loving our neighbor, we can say that this verse somewhat sums up the teaching of these ten commandments: Believe in Jesus and love one another. On the other hand, there is another point that is not clearly mentioned, but that is exactly what the verse asks us to do, to obey this commandment.
Throughout the Old Testament we see God emphasize love for Him and trust in Him. Even Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord God. The relationship between faith and love is so close that one cannot exist without the other. Faith is exercised in love, and love for God and others helps us grow in faith. When John tells us to believe in the name of Jesus, he is asking us to believe in His person, His sacrifice, His resurrection, and His ascension. It is this belief that makes us who we are, children of God.
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Today I want to encourage and exhort you to love God with all your heart and demonstrate that love for Him in the way you care for others, help them in their difficulties, provide for their needs, and give them words encouragement to help them. The love God expects from you is not what you say, but what you demonstrate through your actions. This is not a new commandment that John gives us, but it is an important reminder that he gives us.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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