The Apostle John’s epistles cut at the core of what it means to embody Jesus. The close disciple of Christ provides a series of tests for you to ensure that your faith is indeed genuine. 

The most compelling test, and his overarching message is that our lives as Jesus-followers should be marked by loving one another. 1 John 3:14 says “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other.” This should be the result of placing faith in Jesus - anger towards a brother has receded, and you are willing to help a brother or sister in need because you love them. 

The truth is when we’ve experienced the goodness of God, we understand that He loves us so much that we can’t help but love one another. To the primary Jewish audience that this letter is written to, it’s not a new command, but how it’s carried out is. The difference is we love others how Jesus did - laying down our lives for them. This is possible because of the Holy Spirit, it’s evidence that your faith is activated; and it’s proof that you’ve encountered Jesus for yourself.