5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.  1 John 2:5-6

4. The Tests of Our Adoption

a. The Test of Fellowship: 1 John 1:1-10

b. The Test of Obedience: 1 John 2:3-5a

c. The Test of Conformity: 1 John 2:5-6

TODAY

d. The Test of Loving other Christians: 1 John 3:14

FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR LOVING ONE ANOTHER

Principle 1: We cannot love each other without enjoying fellowship with God that is drawing us to know His love, grow in His love and be empowered by His love.: 1 John 2:5, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:16-17, 1 John 4:9

Principle 2: We must see each other always in the light of our eternal family ties not through our earthly conduct living out those family ties.: 1 John 3:1, 1 Corinthians 13:7

Principle 3: It is a natural expectation that we love one another.: 1 John 3:11, 1 John 4:11, Romans 6:1-2

Principle 4: Loving other Christians, all Christians, is a command to obey, not an option to consider based on circumstances or feelings.: 1 John 3:23, 1 John 4:21, John 14:15

Principle 5: Fear of vulnerability and transparency cannot prevent our loving one another sincerely and sacrificially.: 1 John 4:18, 1 Peter 1:22

Principle 6: Loving one another is not a dull and necessary duty to obey but a privileged command to delight in.: 1 John 5:2-3, Psalm 119:35