Before we assume the role of Christian, we all have notions about what Christians are like. We probably picture nearly perfect saints who glide through life one hallelujah short of spiritual ecstasy, always doing the right thing, always happy, never saddled with troubles or cares. Christians have life all put together, not at all like us. We find ourselves stumbling through life a half-step short of disaster, wondering if we are making the right decisions, burdened with doubt, troubled by our inadequacies. Yet, it is in the doing of Christianity that the reality of our Christian status sets in, just as in functioning as a parent, I decide that I really am a parent.
Practical love being worked out in our everyday lives gives evidence of the reality of our faith.
In today s text, John shows us what practical love accomplishes. First, practical love confirms our standing with God. Second, practical love gives us confidence in our final outcome. And third, practical love conforms our lives to our words of faith. Practical love is our great ally in making us feel like Christians.