I John 1-3

“By this we may know that we are in [Christ]: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (2:5-6). John taught that fellowship with Jesus is revealed in how we live.  Our faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for sins (2:1) leads to knowing Him and obeying Him – especially the commandment to love others (2:2-4).  “Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected” (2:5).  Because God is love, being filled with hatred is completely incompatible with knowing Jesus (2:9).      

John knew that even faithful believers would stumble.  “Whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our hearts” (3:20), full of mercy and quick to forgive.