Knowing God

1 John 1:1–4

When we look at 1 John, we see that total happiness doesn’t come from chasing it directly. Instead, it’s something we find when we’re looking for something else. The secret to this happiness is in building a relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Christianity is special because it combines belief and relationship, mixing both the spiritual and mental parts of knowing God.

1. This is for everyone

John’s message is for all Christians, no matter how new or experienced they are in their faith. His teachings are for everyone who believes in eternal life, not just the super religious. There are certain signs that show if someone truly knows and has experienced God, but these signs aren’t the only or main way to know this.

2. You’ll want to share it

Wanting to tell others about our faith shows we have a real relationship with God. This goes against the idea that faith is something private. This urge to share isn’t just a personal choice, but comes from deep within us based on our experiences with God. If we don’t have this passion, it could mean we’re not growing in our faith. Knowing God is such a big truth that we can’t help but want to share it.

3. It’s a shared experience

John describes being in a relationship with God as something that goes beyond individual experiences. It’s a shared reality that crosses time, culture, and personal differences. The writings of spiritual leaders from different times, like Saint Augustine and John Newton, still speak to believers today. This shows how God’s truth doesn’t change. When we truly understand this truth and feel passionate about it, it can change hearts, get rid of fear and confusion, and is available to everyone who accepts Christ as their Savior.