What are the defining marks of those who have had a real experience of God? Yesterday we looked at some of them. Here are some others.
A predominate mark of those who have had an experience of God, is love, Colossians 1:4. Because God is love and as believers seek to become more godly, I John 2:6, they will also reflect the same attitude of love. I John: 2:9-10 and I John 4:7-12, say we cannot claim to love God if we do not love others. So, if we have had an experience of God we will become people who love and especially we will love those who are fellow believers.
Sometimes this is not easy. It can even be frustrating because at times God brings people from very different outlooks, backgrounds and differing views, together in a church. You might be brought into contact with people you wouldn’t normally choose as friends or choose to associate with. We need to remember each one is someone God loves and sent his Son to die for. Therefore each one is of value. We need to see them as God sees them.
Another predominate mark of the person who has had a true experience of God is hope, Colossians 1:5. Hope is different to wishful thinking. Wishful thinking is not based on anything concrete. Hope has a solid foundation. For example hope is a confident expectation of something wonderful in the future. All believers have this hope – the hope of a life beyond the grave, and the hope of Jesus’ return. Hope that is not pie in the sky but is backed up by scripture, John 3:16-18. We know that because of Jesus we can stand before God and be accepted, Hebrews 10:19-23, Ephesians 3:12, 1 John 4:17 and that he hears our prayers, 1 John 3:21-22.
The person who has had an experience of God is genuinely spiritual. Sometimes people can confuse big emotions with spiritual experience. True spirituality means faith in Christ alone, Galatians 2:16, it means having a love for fellow believers and having that hope of eternal life. If you have these, then you have all you need to live a joyous and effective Christian life.
Bible Verses from New American Standard Version
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