1John 5:1-3 - "1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."

Three characteristics of a child of God is mentioned in this passage - faith, love and obedience.

Faith:
What is believing? James tells us that the demons also believe in God, but they tremble and shake. James continue to say that unless you continue to show by your life that you have the true faith, your faith is worthless.

Faith is directional in a Person. Faith not only requires that something is held true, but that Someone has entered into your life. Grasp this secret or you've missed the crux of the matter.

Faith is not believing a set of historical facts. All the historical facts about Jesus, that He was the perfect spotless Lamb of God, born of a virgin, died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day - all of this the demons know to be true, but it doesn't help them. You need a special agreement with Jesus Christ, and then confess that commitment before people publicly. You must believe with the heart unto righteousness and confess with your mouth unto salvation (Rom 10:10).

When you're asked whether you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, there cannot be any doubt. If you're asked whether you're married, and you say that you're not sure, but trying, what does that imply? Such a person needs mental help. This type of faith goes nowhere. It cannot save you.

We need to test our faith whether it's saving faith.

You must examine it to see whether it's the genuine article.

Love:
John writes here about godly love. He is not referring to lustful passion. Socalled same sex love is not love at all, because such people drive each other to hell. You must know the difference between lust and love.

Marriage is a committed true love. People who sleep around doesn't know true love. True love brings life. God so loved us that He offered His only Son for our sins so we can inherit eternal life.

We love Him because He first loved us (1John 4:19). We love Him because of what He has done for us.

John writes that someone who says that he loves God but hates his brother is a liar. Naturally we would think that John should say, if we love God we love our brothers. But he says that if you love the brothers that is the proof that you love God.
People who say that they love God, but get upset with their brethren, and criticize them do not love God. They must repent. If you do not love those who are born of God, you cannot love God. When you gossip about them, spread lies about them, then you cannot love God. If you love those who are born of God, then that is the sign that you are born of God and love God.

The Bible says that if you love your brother you will lay down your life for that person. You will love your brother with a godly sacrificial love, even if they're from another nation or race.

Obedience:
There is a strong connection between loving God and obeying Him. Loving God is not just emotional feelings.  True godly love is always closely connected with obeying Him and doing His will.

Obedience to God is absolutely essential. You must obey God more than any person whether it be your husband or wife or friends.

When Saul disobeyed God, Samuel said to Saul that disobedience and rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft.

John adds that God's commandments are not burdensome. To the natural man this statement is perplexing and weird. People who live in sin claim that it is impossible to obey God's commandments. However, Jesus said, "take my yoke upon you ... for My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt 11:29,30).

Make sure that you have the true faith, Godly love and that you live in true obedience.