We Know

 I John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

It's a crazy world out there, with all sorts of wild thoughts about what is and is not true.  It's nothing new. As John wrote to fellow believers at the end of the first century, the world was full of lies, being held under the influence of the evil one. But as followers of Christ, we can have assurance and confidence in what is true: the one who believes in Jesus Christ as the victor over sin and death, who trusts in Him as God's sent Savior, and therefore obeys His commands - that person has eternal life and can live in victory over sin.  In this chapter John hits it from every angle, repeating the same truth different ways.  In Christ Jesus truth, love, and life all come together, and we can know we have God's presence now and forever.