Live Like Jesus

And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.

If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.

But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
1 John 2:3-6 NLT

So… how do you really know that you know God? Is it the Bible stacked neatly on your nightstand? The Sunday service check-ins? Or the number of “amen” emojis you drop in your group chat? 1 John 2:3–6 gives us the ultimate litmus test: obedience.

“And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments… Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:3,6 NLT)

Knowing God isn’t about claiming knowledge — it’s about living it out. Verse 4 even calls out spiritual fibbers: if someone says they know God but ignores His commandments, that person is “not living in the truth.” The only person they are fooling is themself.

Love and Obedience: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Here’s the beautiful truth: obedience isn’t legalism. It’s love in motion. Verse 5 says:

“Those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him.”

Think about it — when you love someone, you don’t just say it. You show it. You make sacrifices. You forgive when it’s inconvenient. You serve even when no one’s watching. That’s exactly how obedience works in our relationship with God: it’s the evidence of our love, not a burdensome duty.

Living Like Jesus: Practical Steps

Verse 6 sets the gold standard:

“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”

So, what does that actually look like today?

Speak life, not criticism. Jesus spoke truth with grace. When someone cuts you off — literally or figuratively — respond with patience and kindness.
Forgive quickly. Jesus didn’t hold grudges. Every time bitterness rises, choose forgiveness — even in tiny ways: let go of the irritation, release the anger, pray for them.
Serve others without expecting a thank-you. Look for small ways to help someone, whether it’s a smile, a message of encouragement, or carrying a burden. Your love speaks louder than your words.
Guard your heart. Jesus prioritized what matters most: time with the Father and walking in His purpose. Reflect daily: Am I filling my mind and heart with what honors God, or what distracts me from Him?
Live authentically. Walking like Jesus doesn’t mean being perfect; it means being real, humble, and willing to learn from mistakes while continually pursuing God’s ways.

The Daily Practice of Faith

You don’t have to “get it all right” to live in God. Walking like Jesus is a daily practice, a conversation with Him that shapes your choices, words, and reactions. Every act of love, every step toward obedience, every choice to mirror Jesus is proof you’re living in Him.

Prayer

Lord, help me move beyond words and live what I believe. Teach me to walk like Jesus today, to love without hesitation, to forgive quickly, and to obey joyfully. Let every choice reflect Your heart — even in the small, everyday moments. Amen.