By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments…. But the one who hates his brother or sister is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:3-11
When you go to a jewelry store to get an appraisal on a specific piece of jewelry, the piece must be examined thoroughly with extreme attention to detail. The jeweler must apply specific tests to determine if the jewel is real or fake. The Apostle John is telling us in this passage of scripture that people who profess to be Christians should put themselves to the test, which is the “light” of God. By applying the tests Christians can then determine whether the life they profess is real or fake. Whether he or she is saved or unsaved. John 14:21 tells us, “Whoever has My commands and keeps them he is the one who loves Me.” Going to the right places, hanging out with the right people, saying the right things, acting the “right” way does not make us a true Christian. John 14:15 says, “If you love Me, you will obey My commands.” We can know we are genuine by how we obey Him, love Him and love our neighbor as we would love ourselves! God bless you!