1 John 2:3-6
Now by this we know that we have come to know God: if we keep his commandments. The one who says “I have come to know God” and yet does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in such a person. But whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in him. The one who says he resides in God ought himself to walk just as Jesus walked.
The core of following Jesus is love, and His love is perfected in us as we choose obedience. Part of our obedience to God is believing in His Son, and even our road to faith in Christ is laden with God’s influence according to His grand design, and merciful grace. It is because of Jesus that the Spirit of God makes His home with us, and begins His work. We continue to choose obedience, just as we are called to daily deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. His perfected love materializes in our life as we surrender our self-focused initiatives and allow His purposes to replace them and drive our lives. We confess and testify to the gospel with our lives, and find obedience through Christ.