My little children, I’m writing these things to you so that you don’t sin. But if you do sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is God’s way of dealing with our sins, not only ours but the sins of the whole world. This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. The one who claims, “I know him,” while not keeping his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in this person. But the love of God is truly perfected in whoever keeps his word. This is how we know we are in him. The one who claims to remain in him ought to live in the same way as he lived. (1 John 2:1-6, CEB)
“The one who claims, “I know him,” while not keeping his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in this person.”
So what are the commandments?
All 613 Levitical Laws?
The 10 Commandments?
The 2 that Jesus gave and are the ones from the Shema?
Lots of people claim to be followers of God and will say I know him, and then turn around and say that you can be here but if you don’t change your ways you won’t be able to stay. Many use the Bible as a weapon to keep people out while saying that all are welcome.
I believe the author of John is saying that anyone who does not love God and love neighbor doesn’t know God. And saying that someone doesn’t fit in or isn’t following God because they sin differently than you isn’t love. God never said you had to understand how someone lives, you have to love them. Period. And telling them they are living in sin is not loving.
So don’t be a liar and love.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 