“And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.”
1 John 3:23–24, NRSV

We learn from the preceding two verses that to love one another unconditionally is one of God's commandments. Today, verse 23 tells us another part of the command—to "believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ."

We continue to perceive from verse 24 that those who follow God's commands have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and that they are one with God. This is the supreme realm that Chinese philosophy is aiming for but never reachable by human power. The Bible tells us that it is only achievable through believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This act of faith is the demonstration of one's obedience to God's command. At the same time, obeying His commandments means to believe in Jesus Christ. That includes following all His teachings—to love God and people unconditionally.

Dear friends. John once again explains how the 3 Persons of the triune God work together to bring people back to Him and to empower us to follow His commandments. He pours out His unconditional love toward us. In return, we also offer unconditional love to Him and people around us, not with our limited self but through the empowerment of His Holy Spirit who abides in us.

How is your love relationship with God lately? Share with your devotional partner and pray for one another to fully believe in Jesus Christ and all His teachings, that you willingly allow the Holy Spirit to work in you according to God's will.