And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
1 John 2:3
One of the sweetest gifts God gives His children is assurance.
John does not write so that we will spend our lives wondering whether we belong to Christ. He writes so we can know. The word “know” appears repeatedly throughout this letter, not merely to describe information but to convey a settled, growing relationship. We may know facts about a celebrity without ever meeting them. We may know about a country without ever visiting it. But to know Christ is something altogether different. It is personal and intimate. It is relational and tangible. It is life-changing.
Our assurance does not rest on having a perfect week, a flawless attitude, or an uninterrupted record of obedience. John has told us that believers will still battle sin, still need to confess sin, and must still rely on Jesus as our Advocate. Our confidence rests not in our consistency but in Christ’s faithfulness.
Relationships always leave fingerprints. A healthy friendship changes our priorities. A strong marriage shapes our decisions. A loving father influences the way his children think and live. In the same way, knowing Jesus gradually reshapes our desires. We begin wanting what He wants. We begin grieving what grieves Him. We begin returning to Him more quickly when we wander.
The question is not, “Have I ever stumbled?” The question is, “Do I continue turning toward Christ?” Every step of repentance, every growing desire to please Him, every longing to walk in His ways becomes another quiet reminder that His life is at work within us.
Father, we acknowledge that our confidence can sometimes rise and fall with our performance instead of resting in Your grace. Thank You for making it possible to know You through Jesus Christ. Continue deepening our relationship with You and strengthening our assurance as we walk with You each day. Help us recognize Your work within us and gladly follow wherever You lead. We willingly entrust our lives to Your faithful hands, knowing You will finish what You have begun.
Turning to Him,
eep
