1 John 3, The Message
4-6 All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God’s order. Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program. No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They’ve got him all backward.

7-8 So, my dear children, don’t let anyone divert you from the truth. It’s the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah. Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil’s ways.

9-10 People conceived and brought into life by God don’t make a practice of sin. How could they? God’s seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It’s not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin. Here’s how you tell the difference between God’s children and the Devil’s children: The one who won’t practice righteous ways isn’t from God, nor is the one who won’t love brother or sister. A simple test.

What do we learn?
–Like Jesus said to the woman accused of adultery, “Go and sin no more.” Confession is saying, “I’m sorry.” Repentance is turning around and doing the opposite of what we did before.
–God loves us, yes, but does not approve of our sin.
–As children of God..follow what Jesus taught us.
–Our actions don’t fool anyone.
–Behavior is the true, simple test.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your word that reminds us to be alert and evaluate our own actions. Help us to see Your Truth in others, not looking and expecting perfection in each other for we are not You, but looking for hearts, minds and souls striving to be all you intended for us to be…then do. Over all, help us to love like you love.
In Jesus Name, Amen