the Power of Proof
If you were ever accused of a crime, you would be under what is known as the “Presumption of Innocence”. This is a legal protection we have in our country. Most likely, you have heard that you are “innocent until proven guilty”.
Proof is powerful. In a good courtroom drama, there is always the moment when the evidence aligns, and they “get their guy”.
In this series, we are discovering what an authentic relationship with God looks like. What is the proof that we have the truth?
The book of 1 John gives us some answers about how we prove to the world that we are true followers of Jesus, and it is some powerful proof.
The early church that John is writing to has had people leave the faith. They have turned from their belief in Jesus as the Messiah who fulfilled God’s promise to his people. The book tells the church that God is two things: Light (chapters 1-3) and Love (chapters 4-5).
He tells them plainly, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). John defines love in this book as sacrifice, giving up yourself for others.
So what is the proof of an authentic life of faith to the world around us? If we really believe what we say we do, how does the world know? The proof of an authentic faith is that we have been transformed by God’s love and that we extend his love to those around us.
First, I see here that John reminds us that God’s love has been proven to us.
God is love. Perfect, whole, full love. God says that he loves us, but he doesn’t leave it there.
One of the parts of my job, working with students, is watching new relationships pop up from time to time. It’s always funny when two people are “dating” or “talking”. They text all the time, but when you see them in the same room, it’s like they are strangers. They are happy to express their affections with their words, but their actions don’t line up.
This is not the case with God. He proved to humanity that he loves them. “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 CSB)
Jesus is the proof of God’s love for us. Think about the power of this revelation. There is no greater truth. There is no greater message. There is no bigger understanding than this: The God of the universe LOVES humanity.
This should transform us. This should impact us. To be loved by God is to be chosen, forgiven, and free. When we understand God’s love, it changes our experience and understanding of God.
God’s love is not only proven to us, but it is proven through us to the world .
If we have experienced God’s love, it will affect the way we live. The sad truth is, the world often does not believe that we are authentic because we do not live in authentic love for one another or to them.
We love people when it’s convenient or comfortable. We love those who love us and affirm us. We love those who share our interests. Brothers and sisters, if we want an authentic faith, we need an authentic love!
I was watching a documentary a few months ago that was examining letters and diaries of Nazi soldiers during World War II who were prisoners of war at Camp Hearne in Texas.
These men had been trained to hate Americans and believed them to be self-centered and greedy. In 1944 during the Christmas Season, the soldiers were shocked by the response of the people there in Hearne, Texas.
You see, the people didn’t hate these men, even though what they stood for was evil. They were compelled by love for these prisoners of war.
The local Boy Scout troop collected items for gift baskets for the men, which was met with shock and surprise from the soldiers. A local church choir learned Christmas carols in German and on Christmas Eve showed up outside the POW camp to sing to the men in their own language.
Listening to the writings of the soldiers was so impactful as their hearts toward these people were transformed by the love they had received.
Authentic love is the powerful proof of an authentic, life-transforming, real relationship with God. What is our life proving?
