How God’s Love Changes Us

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If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 

But 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, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.

But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

1 John 1:6–2:1

One of the most remarkable truths about God’s forgiveness is that His grace doesn’t just cover our past sins, but also provides forgiveness for all future sins. John reminds us of this amazing truth when he says, “If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

If you have not received the free gift of grace by placing your trust and faith in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, I can assure it is the only source of life today and for eternity. 

But notice something even more in this passage from 1 John. The Holy Spirit, through John, tells us something extraordinary, “I write this to you so that you will not sin.”

At first glance, these two truths might seem at odds with one another. Faith in Christ provides forgiveness for all sins—both past and future. How does this reality compel us to not sin? Wouldn’t the opposite be true? Wouldn’t that reality give us permission to live however we want in this world? 

No, it doesn’t. And here’s why:

When we fully grasp the depth of God’s love, it changes us. His love doesn’t just free us from sin’s penalty—it frees us from sin’s power. It grants us the opportunity to live in freedom and in support of the greatest kingdom in the world. 

Knowing that Jesus gave His life for us creates in us a desire to live for Him! And it’s not guilt or fear that compels us to live pure lives; it’s love.

We’ve all experienced how love changes our actions. When we truly love someone, we make sacrifices and choices that reflect that love. How much more should the amazing love of God transform our lives?

John’s reminder is clear: God’s forgiveness is not a license to sin. It is an invitation to follow Christ wholly, living as His ambassador, and living a life that honors Him. The more we reflect on His love for us, the more we’ll find our hearts changed—and the more we’ll desire to live in a way that pleases Him.

Take some time today to focus on God’s love for you. Reflect on His sacrifice, His forgiveness, His grace, His goodness, and His faithfulness. The more we do, the more we’ll find our hearts drawn to Him—and the less appealing sin will become.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me through Jesus and for loving me beyond measure. Help me to know that love and may it compel me to change. Amen.