Together with 1 John 3:6, ("No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen Him or known Him.") I think the following verse should be greatly considered by all: (verse 11) "Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God." When the majority of people think of evil, they think of murder, rape, con artists, theives, etc. These are true. But any sin or violation of God's Word is evil. Things such as: pride, sex before marriage, gossip, lying, idolatry, dishonoring authority, greed or adultery. If you commit violation of God's Word, but love Jesus and you repent, you are still seen as righteous. However, if you continually, persistently sin against God without repentance, you are walking in sin. The Bible says that if you continue in sin, you have not truly seen God. I exhort you to test your faith in Jesus by this. Some of you say you believe- or even love, Jesus. I truly hope you do. However, if you are continuing in sin, then God says you have not truly seen Him. I think this is where much of the "Christians" are today. Too many people say they believe but don't follow it up with their actions or their heart. It's these people that give followers of Jesus a bad rep. What's so great about Jesus in these peoples' lives that others would want a relationship with Jesus too? His Word hasn't transformed them, His love hasn't been displayed, and His character hasn't been developed in them. When these verses say 'that person hasn't seen or known God' I think it's referring to the people who like the idea of Jesus, but don't really know Jesus. It's when you have a real relationship with Him that you realize your need for Him. Change happens. Blessings are bountiful. Mercy and grace are seen in abundance. Love overflows. I challenge you to be honest with yourself. Do you obey God's Word? Are you sickened at the sin in your life? Are you searching for something to fill that 'emptiness'? Do you understand why I am so satisfied in a relationship with Jesus? Please email me if you have any questions regarding any of this. I would love the opportunity to pray for you.
~Leanne~