The core of Christianity reminds us that we either demonstrate the sound doctrine, obedience, and love that define true Christians, or we are not truly walking in faith. When the basics of faith are alive in us, we experience joy, live a holy life, and can have assurance in our salvation—even though we are still far from perfect. As Scripture says, “By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything” (1 John 3:19–20).

Are you confident in your love for Jesus—His words, the conversations you have with Him, the sweetness of His voice? “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”(John 14:15), and “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments… But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected”(1 John 2:3–5).

For me, I pray that the life I live reflects the depth of His love for me. “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). By being obedient to His words, I desire to fall more deeply in love with God, experiencing His love through my obedience. As Paul prayed, “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend… and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:17–19).

Finally, I seek to walk in the light and grow in holiness, remembering that “…if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). May my heart remain open to God’s work, knowing that “…it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).