We Are Like Him

1 John 4:13-17 We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.
 
ARE you like Jesus in this world? To be like someone is to be close to, similar to or the same as. Do these phrases apply to your relationship with Jesus? Through John, the Spirit says they do apply when you believe Jesus is the Son of God. Does that humble you and perhaps cause you to respond, “That cannot be!” It is a most sobering thought, isn’t it? How do we know if we are like him?
   In this world we are like him when we live in love. This world is not a place where God’s love is readily visible. People do not go about their business each day with the goal to show a Jesus-like love to anyone. Most of us Christians don’t have that precise goal, either. Generally, it seems we want to be nice to people. But to live in love can be more than we want to do. To live in God’s love requires time, energy and purpose. Yet, that is how we are to be as Jesus in this world. In faith, through the Holy Spirit, we have God’s love. We are to savor his love and know an inner expression of joy because of this soul-transforming truth. God’s love is a treasure too valuable to hold onto as if we might lose it. As God has generously poured his love over us, we are to be like Jesus and pour love over others. This is an active, deliberate love that makes a difference in people’s lives.     
   When you are close to Jesus, you will be eager to know what he says. The Bible will not merely be a means to measure the amount of time you spend with God. Instead, reading God’s inspired word will give you more time, energy and purpose because you focus your life through the One who lives in you.
   To be like Jesus is to rely on Jesus. You trust him to be true to his Word. You are certain he loves you. You have confidence on the day of judgment. You know that when you stand before Jesus on that day, he will welcome you into heaven. You will not be afraid of the future, eternity or God’s judgment because you know God’s love is in you.
   People of the world do not know how to be like Jesus. You must show them while you are in the world.