1 John 3:9-10 (MSG)
9-10 People conceived and brought into life by God don’t make a practice of sin. How could they? God’s seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It’s not in the nature of the God-born to practice and parade sin. Here’s how you tell the difference between God’s children and the Devil’s children: The one who won’t practice righteous ways isn’t from God, nor is the one who won’t love brother or sister. A simple test.
In our passage today, the Apostle John shares a straightforward or simple way to know who belongs to God and who belongs to the devil. He maintains it is a simple test. When we are born of God, we become a part of his family. We desire to honor his Word and name; to reflect his character by honoring his laws of love. The Holy Spirit brings a rebirth that causes us to receive new hearts that are inclined toward love and obedience, as well as a new mind that desires to become more like Christ. If we do not desire to grow in Christ’s love and righteousness, we reveal the truth about who has the greatest authority over our lives. If we find ourselves speaking against another brother or sister in Christ, guess who is wrong?
Prayer: Father, may each day I be willing to allow you to work righteousness in my life; I desire to stay on that path with you. Continually fill me with a desire to serve you wholeheartedly and cause me to spill forth love to my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.