By Ariel
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Knowing God shows up in real life as obedience shaped by love.
- Commands invite joyful trust, not heavy fear.
- Jesus advocates for us when mistakes happen, guiding hearts back to Him.
- Small steps practiced daily build a lifelong walk with Christ.
Hi friends! Ariel here, and today I want to share something really special my family and I discovered in 1 John 2:1–6.
This passage opened our eyes to how obedience isn’t just about rule-following—it’s about revealing that we truly know God. It’s not about saying the right things or acting perfect. It’s about living each day as a reflection of His love. Imagine your life as a giant canvas, and every time you choose to love, forgive, or follow His ways, you’re adding another brushstroke to a beautiful painting—one that shows the world your relationship with Him.
Obedience, in this way, becomes something meaningful and alive. Each small act—being kind when it’s hard, telling the truth even when it’s scary, choosing love over anger—adds depth and color to our faith. Just like an artist adds layers to create a masterpiece, we add spiritual layers each time we choose to walk in step with Jesus.
But this passage also asks us to pause and look inside. Are we living what we believe? Or are we just saying we follow Jesus while our choices tell a different story? God doesn’t want performance—He wants our hearts. He wants us to live in a way that says, “I know God, and I trust Him enough to follow Him.”
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Obedience isn’t a chore. It’s a love language. (It reminds me of something we explored in another post about living a holy life—where obedience becomes a joyful way to reflect God’s heart.) It’s how we say, “Thank You, God, for loving me first.” It’s how we shine His light to the people around us—at school, at church, in our homes. Every day gives us a fresh start, a new opportunity to show what His love looks like in action.
So, will you join me? Let’s walk in obedience together—step by step, brushstroke by brushstroke—creating a life that points to Jesus in every color, every word, and every act of love. 💛
TL;DR
I learned that knowing God looks like loving obedience that follows Jesus’ example. Grace meets slips along the way, yet hearts still choose His path because love grows stronger than temptation.
Jesus: Our Advocate and Guide
You know how sometimes we mess up—even when we’re trying really hard to do what’s right? When John says Jesus is our advocate, he’s showing us that we have someone who stands with us before God—someone who speaks on our behalf with love and mercy (source).
1 John 2:1 (KJV)
“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
That verse stopped me in my tracks. An advocate? What does that really mean?
So I asked Daddy, and he said, “Jesus is like a friend who stands with us before God. He doesn’t just say, ‘They’re sorry.’ He actually gave His life to make things right. When we sin and turn back to God, Jesus speaks for us. He reminds the Father of His love for us and the sacrifice He made on the cross.”
That explanation made my heart feel warm and safe. Jesus isn’t just far away in heaven—He’s close. He’s personal. He knows my heart and still chooses to love and defend me. That’s not just comforting—it’s powerful.
Then Yaya chimed in with her gentle voice, “But sweetheart, that kind of love doesn’t mean we get to do whatever we want and just say sorry later. When we love God, we want to obey Him—not because we have to, but because our hearts are full of love and gratitude.”
That really clicked for me. Obedience isn’t about trying to earn God’s love—it’s our way of saying, ‘I love You back,’ and as explained on Not Consumed, teaching children to want to obey deepens their understanding that obedience flows from relationship, not just duty (source). And when we understand what Jesus has done for us, it stirs something deep inside: a longing to follow Him more closely every day.
Sometimes I picture Jesus as a gentle guide walking beside me, especially when I’ve made a mistake. He doesn’t roll His eyes or get mad. He just holds out His hand and says, “Let’s try again.” That’s what it means to have Him as our advocate—not just someone who forgives, but someone who restores us.
And guess what? We don’t have to pretend with God. We can come to Him just as we are—even if we’re feeling messy, lost, or ashamed. Jesus doesn’t turn us away. He welcomes us with grace, lifts us up, and helps us move forward, one faithful step at a time.
So the next time I feel like I’ve messed up too much or don’t deserve a second chance, I’ll remember: Jesus is still standing there—righteous, loving, and true—whispering to my heart, “I’m here for you. Let’s keep going.”
Fun Fact
Greek verbs for “know” can describe deep relationship, not just information. John connects this kind of knowing to actions that mirror Jesus.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How can kids “know God” beyond memorizing verses?
Prayer, listening, obeying small nudges to love others, and copying Jesus’ kindness build real friendship with God.
Knowing God Through Obedience
John also writes,
1 John 2:3 (KJV)
“Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”
That verse made me pause and really think. Does knowing God mean memorizing verses or saying prayers? Or… is it something deeper?
So I turned to Yaya—she always knows how to explain things gently but clearly. “Yaya,” I asked, “if someone doesn’t obey God, does that mean they don’t really know Him?”
She gave me a soft smile and said, “Sweetheart, when you love someone—really love them—you want to make them happy. Not because you have to, but because your heart is full of care. That’s what obedience is. When we truly know and love God, we want to walk in His ways. It becomes part of us.”
That made sense. It reminded me of how I want to help Mommy when she’s tired, or how I try to be extra gentle with Alice when she’s feeling sad—not because I have to, but because I love them. That’s what God wants from us: hearts that obey not out of fear, but out of love.
Then Alice, who had been quietly cuddling Mr. Fluffernutter, piped up with one of her classic imaginative thoughts. “Obedience is like playing a song for God,” she said, swaying side to side. “Each time we do something kind or honest, we’re adding a note. And when we obey all day long, it’s like a beautiful song that makes God smile!”
I could almost hear it in my head—a gentle melody rising with each act of faithfulness. That image stayed with me. What if every time we made the choice to forgive, help, or show patience, we were composing a symphony of trust?
I started thinking about the everyday things. Like when I’m honest at school, even if it means admitting I got something wrong. Or when I stop what I’m doing to help Alice find her missing bunny (usually under the couch). Those moments might seem small, but they echo God’s love in real life. They become little musical notes in our life’s song to Him.
Knowing God isn’t about pretending to be perfect. It’s about choosing Him again and again—especially in the little things. Because those little things add up. They become our testimony, the way people see Jesus in us without us ever saying a word.
So now I try to ask myself: Am I making music that honors God today? Because obedience, I’m learning, isn’t about following a list of rules—it’s about knowing Him so well that His love naturally flows through everything I do.
Family Activity — “Command-to-Action Map”
- Pick one command from Jesus this week (love one another, forgive, tell truth gently).
- List two ways to practice it at home and at school.
- Draw a simple “map” showing where choices happen (kitchen table, classroom, playground).
- Pray together each morning for courage to follow the map.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Do commands cancel grace?
Grace fuels obedience. Love arrives first, then actions grow from that love.
Walking as Jesus Walked
John reminds us in 1 John 2:6,
1 John 2:6 (KJV)
“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
When I read that, my heart skipped a little—what does it really mean to walk like Jesus?
Daddy helped explain it. “To walk as Jesus walked means to live like He lived—with love, humility, and total obedience to God. Jesus didn’t just say what was right—He did what was right, even when it was hard.”
That made me think of all the times Jesus stopped to help people who were hurting or lonely. He forgave when others judged. He healed when others ignored. He spoke truth, even when it meant being rejected. Every step He took showed what God’s love really looks like.
“So,” I asked, still processing, “when we act like Jesus, are we showing others what God is really like?”
Yaya smiled, her eyes kind and steady. “Yes, sweetheart. When we walk like Jesus, we’re like mirrors. We don’t shine our own light—we reflect His. Every kind word, every act of patience, every time we put someone else first… those are all little reflections of Him.”
That image stuck with me. A mirror of God’s light. What a beautiful purpose to have!
Then Alice chimed in—her eyes glowing with imagination. “I see Jesus’ footsteps like little lights on a dark path,” she said. “And when we follow them, we light up the world too!” She said each step meant something—choosing love instead of anger, sharing instead of keeping, listening instead of shouting.
That made me smile. Walking like Jesus isn’t just about big, grand moments. It’s about tiny, everyday decisions. Holding the door for someone. Saying sorry first. Helping your little sister (even when she’s loud). Choosing truth when lying feels easier. Each of those choices is a step in His footprints.
And yeah, sometimes the path gets hard. Sometimes you trip or feel lost or tired. But every time you take another step, you’re growing. You’re learning what love really looks like in action. You’re becoming a clearer reflection of Him.
Yaya leaned in gently and said something I’ll never forget: “Walking as Jesus walked doesn’t just change you—it changes the people around you. When they see your light, they start to look for His.”
That made my heart feel big and brave. What if my little steps could help someone else see the way? What if one moment of kindness could help someone find hope?
So that’s my prayer: that I’ll follow Jesus’ glowing footprints, not perfectly, but faithfully—step by step—bringing light with me wherever I go.
Fun Fact
Early Christians loved “walk” language. Faith looked like a path, not just a badge. Steps made beliefs visible.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How do I keep going when temptations feel strong?
Short prayers, quick verse reminders, and asking a trusted grown-up for help keep feet steady.
Living in Obedience
John’s message isn’t just something we read and nod along to—it’s a call to live differently. A challenge, yes. But also a beautiful opportunity to let our lives shine with the love of God. When we choose to walk in obedience, we’re not just saying we know God—we’re showing it, in the quiet, everyday ways that add up to something big.
Here are some ways I’m learning to live that out:
Reading the Bible isn’t just something we do at church—it’s like having a conversation with God every day. Each verse is a little whisper of His wisdom, guiding us. I like to keep a notebook where I write down verses that stand out to me. Then, I try to spot moments in my day where I can actually live them out—like being patient, helping a classmate, or telling the truth when it’s hard.
Yaya says it’s like planting seeds. The more Scripture we plant in our hearts, the more good things can grow—like love, kindness, and wisdom.
We all mess up—I definitely do. Sometimes I say something unkind, or I forget to listen, or I get grumpy for no reason. But Daddy reminded me that Jesus doesn’t turn His back on us when we fail. He’s right there, ready to help us start fresh.
Confessing isn’t scary—it’s freeing. It’s like stepping out of the shadows and back into the light. And when we receive that kind of forgiveness, it softens our hearts too, making it easier to forgive others when they mess up.
Living like Jesus doesn’t mean we have to do huge, heroic things. It means noticing people who are hurting and showing them love. It means choosing to be kind when no one’s watching. Alice says, “It’s like being a secret helper for God!”—and I love that.
Sometimes, a smile or a kind word is all it takes to lift someone’s day. I think Jesus did that all the time—noticed the unnoticed and loved the overlooked. We can do that too.
Prayer is like plugging into God’s wisdom. When I stop and pray, even just for a minute, it helps me see things more clearly—like a fog lifting. I ask God to help me notice where I can show love, to help me be brave when it’s hard, and to keep my heart soft and open.
Even on busy days, I try to find little “pockets of prayer”—when I first wake up, while I’m walking, or right before bed. Those quiet moments remind me that I’m never doing this alone.
Fun Fact
“Advocate” echoes a helper or defense-friend. John shows Jesus standing for us, not against us.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
What should I do right after messing up?
Talk to God, say the truth, ask forgiveness, and make a loving repair step quickly.
Final Thought
John’s words in 1 John 2:1–6 are like a gentle but powerful reminder: obedience isn’t just about rules. It’s about relationship. It’s a way of saying, “God, I know You. I trust You. I love You.”
When we truly know Him—not just know about Him—something starts to shift in our hearts. Our actions begin to mirror His grace. Our words become filled with His truth. Our choices carry His love. And even when we stumble, we find ourselves running back into His arms, ready to begin again.
Obedience, I’ve learned, is like taking one small step at a time—sometimes shaky, sometimes bold—but always toward Jesus. Every step we take becomes a brushstroke on the masterpiece God is painting through our lives. With each act of kindness, each moment of forgiveness, each prayer whispered in the quiet, we become living portraits of His love.
This journey isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. Present with God. Present with people. Present in our efforts to love like Jesus, even when it’s hard.
So let’s keep going, together. Let’s choose obedience not as a heavy burden, but as a joyful way of walking with the One who first loved us. Let’s be the kind of lights that help others see Him more clearly.
We may be young, but our hearts can shine bright.
With grace, with peace, and with every step of faithful love—
Ariel 💕
Keep Learning
Quick Check Quiz — Walking in Obedience
Compare & Discern
| View | Picture | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Rule-keeping for points | Checklist pressure | Pride or burnout |
| Ignoring commands | No clear path | Harm spreads |
| Obedience from love | Friendship with Jesus | Growth, peace, steady joy |
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Obedience | Actions that align with God’s heart and Jesus’ example. |
| Advocate | Helper who speaks for us and brings us back to grace. |
| Walk | Pattern of life that shows what we believe. |
| Commandments | God’s loving guidance for wise living. |
References
| Citation | Link |
|---|---|
| Blogging4Adventure — Understanding DNA | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Minecraft Zoo | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — America’s Beginnings | Open |
| BibleGateway — 1 John 2:1–6 | Open |
| Enduring Word — Commentary on 1 John 2 | Open |
| GotQuestions — Obedience to God | Open |
Practice & Pray
I’m choosing loving obedience this week and asking Jesus to shape my steps. Walking in obedience stays joyful when grace guides and Scripture lights the way.
Ariel — Kid Author & Faith Explorer
Homeschool writer at Blogging4Adventure, blending Bible study, science, and family activities. Posts reviewed by Mom & Dad for accuracy and safety; Scripture cross-checked with trusted study tools.
FAQ
Where should families start today?
Pray together, read 1 John 2:1–6, choose one command, and try the Command-to-Action Map for one week.
How can parents encourage without nagging?
Celebrate small wins, ask reflective questions, and join the challenge alongside kids.
What if someone keeps slipping?
Offer patient love, set gentle boundaries, invite confession, and keep pointing to Jesus the Advocate.
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