Young adults and youth went skiing/snowboarding yesterday. I asked some young adults to help with the youths who were first-timers. I knew how difficult that would be since they had to stay behind with the beginners and not be able to enjoy the mountain like you want to. And yet, they stayed with the youths the whole time. In a small way, they were giving up their freedom for the sake of their brothers and sisters. I was very much touched not only as a pastor but also as a father whose child, a first timer, benefitted from this…
1. What is the best sign that you are saved? You love God.
2. What is the best sign that you love God? You love your brothers.
3. What is the best sign that you love your brothers? You give what is important to you to them.
I get that from 1 John 3 & 4.
1. “Whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)
2. “Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (1 John 4:21)
3. “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16)
 
How have you laid down your life for your brothers and sisters? I’m sorry. Family doesn’t count. Even those who do not know God lay down their lives routinely for their family.
But if you’ve laid down your life, or given up something important to you for the sake of your brothers/sisters because of God, then the love of God resides in you and that is a sign that you know God.
Live for others. Only then you will live.
PH