What steps can we take to ensure God makes His home with us? The Promise in Focus “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’ ” (John 14:23) Step 1: Love Jesus Supremely • Align every affection with Him first (Matthew 22:37). • Cultivate love by reflecting on His sacrificial love for you (1 John 4:19). • Speak your love aloud in worship and thanksgiving—love is both choice and expression. Step 2: Cherish and Obey His Word • Store Scripture in your heart (Psalm 119:11). • Read and meditate daily; treat His commands as personal directives (Joshua 1:8). • Put truth into action—“be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). • Obedience proves love (John 14:15) and invites deeper intimacy (John 14:21). Step 3: Welcome the Holy Spirit’s Presence • Jesus promised the Spirit as “another Advocate” to dwell with and in us (John 14:16-17). • Yield to His convictions; quick confession keeps fellowship unbroken (1 John 1:9). • Rely on His power to obey what Christ commands (Galatians 5:16). Step 4: Walk in Daily Fellowship • Speak with God continually—short, honest conversations throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Gather with other believers; His dwelling is experienced corporately (Ephesians 2:22). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly; it re-centers hearts on His abiding presence (1 Corinthians 11:26). Step 5: Guard a Pure Heart • Flee known sin; impurity grieves the indwelling Lord (Ephesians 4:30). • Review motives—ask if each choice welcomes or hinders His nearness (Psalm 139:23-24). • Replace sin’s counterfeit pleasures with the superior joy of His companionship (Psalm 16:11). Putting It All Together Love Jesus, live out His Word, depend on the Spirit, practice unbroken fellowship, and keep a clean heart. These steps create the open door for Father and Son to “make Their home” with you—an everyday reality, not a distant hope (Revelation 3:20; 2 Corinthians 6:16). |
    |