Marie’s daily verse: You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.Isaiah 26:3 NIV.

DAILY DEVOTION, November 8, 2022

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7-8).

How can I know that my faith in Jesus is genuine? We all know there are hypocrites in the church. John gives a simple test to check the reality of our faith. “Let us love one another.” The reason love is so important is also clarified in our verse. “love is from God” and when we place our faith in Jesus the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5). You can join the church and be baptized and still be a hypocrite. The mark of a true Christian is love. If love is absent, God is absent.

When love for Jesus and for others overflows from our hearts, we know that we have been born of God. The song, “They will know we are Christian by our Love” expresses this truth. We live in a world that is full of hate. Unbelievers need to look at us and see the love of God in our behavior. Our love will draw others to the Savior.

Father, forgive me for those times when I am angry and unforgiving. I confess that sometimes unloving behavior sneaks into my life. Fill me with Your love that I may know for certain that I have been reborn. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.