“By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:5-6).

What does it mean to “abide” in Jesus?  After all, this is an important word. It comes up 40 times in the Gospel of John and 27 times in the three letters of John. That’s a lot!

The editors of the NET Study Bible define it like this: “a close, intimate (and permanent) relationship between the believer and God.” That’s what it means to “abide” in Jesus.

Let’s be honest. Is that a fair description of where we’re at?

Sometimes it can be helpful to take a definition and substitute in the opposite words. That way, we can look at each definition side-by-side to see which one more accurately reflects where we are at. 

Here is the modified version: “a distant, impersonal (and occasional) relationship between the believer and God.”

And here’s the original definition: “a close, intimate (and permanent) relationship between the believer and God.”

Notice the differences? Close, or distant? Intimate, or impersonal? Permanent, or occasional?

Let me state the obvious. If our relationship with God is distant, impersonal and occasional, we have some changes to make. The good news, however, is that God is gracious. He will help us along the journey as we turn to him. Further still, we will start to “walk in the same way in which [Jesus] walked” (verse 6). 

Picture two close friends. They tell things to one another they would never share with anyone else. They show up for one another when it counts. They are “tight.” Friends like this feel bonded, strong, supported, together, and joyful.

So it is in our walk with God.

Today is a new day. Let’s put in the time and develop a close, intimate (and permanent) relationship with Christ.

Notes:

-“The pressure to fit in when my faith makes me different.” Click here. Sermon. 

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.