by Deacon Michael Bickerstaff | December 27, 2022 12:05 am
“And by this we may be sure that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He who says ‘I know him’ but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps his word, in him truly love for God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:3-6).
We all know people who say one thing, but do another. Truth is, all of us are guilty at times of failing to practice what we preach. Most of us value integrity in our friends so we should also strive to be honest.
When we reflect on the great and undeserved gift that is the Christ Child, we should be all the more motivated to live according to all He has taught us. He has redeemed us at a great price. To love the Lord is to abide in Him. He who is Truth has called us to that truth. To say that we love Jesus but to not value obeying His commands is to be untruthful.
In this fallen life, we are more inclined to sin than goodness. But Jesus desires to pour out His grace upon us so that we will desire goodness more than sin… God more than self. We can walk in the same way in which He walked. All we have to do is to desire it, will it, and open our hearts to His grace. So surrender your will to God and let Jesus into your heart, for no one is able to attain goodness, much less perfection, except by His power.
So, walk with the Lord, abide in Truth, and you will never be alone.
Image credit: “The Good Shepherd” (detail) by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo[1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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