8 - The Test of Love
- Pastor Dick Warner
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
A big rock - Image by iStock
What Jesus and John Say About Love
Let’s put two statements side by side: one from Jesus, and one from His beloved disciple, John. Both hit the same point with piercing clarity.
John writes:
“He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” (1 John 2:4–5)
That’s strong talk, no sugarcoating it. John says what many pastors want to say: real love keeps God’s Word. Anything less is lip service.
Love’s Real Measure
You can’t overstate it: God’s Word is vital to your daily walk.
Jesus said it plainly: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.”
John adds: “Whoever keeps His word, the love of God is perfected in him.”
Put together, that’s a loud message. Keeping God’s Word sets disciples apart from the world.
It’s proof of true love, reason for God’s favor, and the way Christ reveals Himself and makes a home in us.
Here’s the simple truth my heart always returns to. Your attitude about the Bible reflects your attitude about God.
A Heart Check
Let’s get personal.
You don’t love God more than you love His Word.
You don’t obey God more than you obey His Word.
You don’t honor God more than you honor His Word.
You don’t make more room for God than you make for His Word in your life.
That might sting. But a good sting—a soul wake-up call.
Next time you ask, “How much does God mean to me?” ask, “How much does His Word mean to me?”
Your answer to the second is the answer to the first.
God’s Spirit Is Still Moving
We live in remarkable times.
The Holy Spirit is pouring out over all people, fulfilling Acts 2:17:
“In the last days…I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.”
A mentor of mine has seen this across five continents—visions, prophecies, dreams, and transformed lives.
Yes, the nine gifts of the Spirit are alive today. God still speaks through dreams and prophetic words.
But don’t miss this big truth:
Scripture remains supreme and final authority.
The Spirit never contradicts the Word He inspired.
Test Every Voice
Paul warns us:
“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21)
We don’t reject spiritual experiences, but we don’t swallow them blindly.
Isaiah sets the bar:
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20)
Scripture is the plumb line. If a message or vision disagrees with the Bible, it’s not new—it’s wrong.
Word and Spirit—Together
We need both Word and Spirit.
Psalm 33:6 says:
“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.”
The Hebrew word for “breath” also means “Spirit.” When God speaks, His Spirit moves with the Word.
They’re inseparable, like speaking without exhaling. Creation began this way—the Spirit hovered, the Word went forth, light burst in.
When Spirit and Word unite, transformation happens.
Our Lives—Spirit and Word in Harmony
What’s true for the universe is true for us.
When God’s Word and Spirit work together in our lives:
Every need is met
Every dark place is lighted
Every crooked line is straightened
Separate them, and trouble starts. Spirit without Word leads to emotionalism or deception.
Word without Spirit leads to lifeless religion.
A wise believer holds both close—Spirit for power, Word for truth. Together, they keep us steady and alive.
Reflection Questions
How closely does your relationship with God mirror your relationship with His Word?
Have you chased new spiritual experiences without testing them against Scripture? How will you guard against that?
What can you do this week to invite Word and Spirit to work fully together in your heart?
Right now, do you need more Spirit’s fresh breath or deeper roots in the Word?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for both Your Word and Your Spirit—the breath of life and our anchor. Teach us to hold them together always. Shape our hearts to love Your Word as deeply as we love You. Help us test every spirit by Your truth and walk steady in Your light. Amen.
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