12/17 1 John 3:23

²³ 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.

Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). He added a second command, to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). John is restating these commandments in his own words. To believe in Jesus is to receive Him as your Lord and Savior, and this results in an ever-increasing love for Him. That is because the more we experience His love, the more we love Him in return.

John went on to write that anyone who keeps these commandments remains in God and God remains in him or her. But there is a second assurance. It is the Spirit Whom He has given to us. We experience His leading and desires. The Spirit keeps pointing us to Jesus and showing us expressions of His love. The Spirit's love for others causes us to love them, too. In other words, the Spirit helps us to keep the commands of God.

The result of all this is living in a way that is pleasing to God and cooperating with God by praying His will into the earth. Answered prayer increases our faith. This process causes us to grow in the faith and deepen our relationship with Jesus.

Consider: Is this the process you see working in your life? If not, it's time to get back on track and commit yourself afresh to Jesus.