13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.REFLECTIONSWritten by Michael LegaspiJust before this passage John talks about how God has loved us, sending his own son into the world and giving himself up for us. He continues with “This is how we know that we live in him and he is us”. What does this mean or look like? John simply says that if anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, god lives in them and has given them his spirit - it sounds way too simple! But thinking about it more I have come to realise how deep a meaning this has for all Christians.The main point I think God is trying to tell us is to “acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God” in all parts of our lives, in our decisions, our efforts, our successes and even in our failures and disappointments. It sounds simple but I asked myself do I really trust God when life turns sour, when I’m afraid and anxious, overwhelmed and confused? Will I still acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God and that he rules over me? Or as John put it in verse 16a “Do I know and rely on the love God has for us?” Reflecting back on verse 14, John and God express the love we have been given. God gives up his one and only true son Jesus Christ, based on a decision he made to love us. Not because we were the cleanest or most wise, but because he choose to willing invite broken people into his family. And after he gave up his Son he didn’t stop there, God decided “Hey, I’ll give my spirit to them as well.” Since our loving father did not spare his son, but gave him up so that we could be saved from judgement; since he continues to stay with us in spirit; since his love for us has never changed though he knows all our faults, we can be sure that he will continue to finish the work he has started. I had forgotten, but now I’m reminded that I can rely on God’s love and trust him in all my brokenness, though this life is full of trouble.ABOUT THE AUTHORMichael is a member of our Bossley Park Morning Service.