I John 3:24 “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.”
Over and over, John makes the point that assurance comes with obedience to our Lord. Those who are striving to keep our Lord’s “commandments” are focused upon our Lord, thinking of Him, speaking to Him in prayer, laboring to learn more about Him, daily reading His Word, and attending and being a part of His Church-Kingdom. And, our Lord lovingly responds to our obedience by filling our heart’s mind with the assurance that He is dwelling within us. This life is filled with various disappointments and discouragements that would rob us of joy and peace. But, true joy and peace come via “the Spirit” that “dwelleth in” us, which assures us that we also dwell “in him”. Those who “dwelleth in him, and he in him” are in union with the Lord Who is “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). We know and experience this blessed union “by the Spirit which he hath given us”. So, when this life’s storms are raging about us, He lovingly assures us that we are in the sure-care of the Almighty God Who stills the storms and says to us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). This Holy “Spirit which he hath given us” is also known as The “Comforter” (John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7). There are NO troubles NOR storms that this indwelling “Comforter” cannot overcome! Therefore, let us strive to live and be known as our Lord’s Commandment Keepers!