What must I do to be saved?

Commentary

The first part of this verse is one of the clearest statements in Scripture of what a person has to do to be saved (v. 1). We must love other Christians to be obedient to God’s commandments (vv. 2-3). This love expresses itself in action, not just emotion. Every Christian has overcome the world by his or her initial faith in Jesus Christ (v. 4). Disobedience to God’s will is a tragedy; but so is reluctant, grudging obedience. What is the secret of joyful obedience? It is found in family relationships. In any well organized family there are rules. When there is love and a right heart attitude toward this relationship the members have a desire to obey the rules. However, a stranger to the family may not have any desire or interest in keeping the family rules. The same is true in God’s family. Jesus never promised that obeying Him would be easy. But the hard work and self discipline of serving Christ is not a burden to those who love Him.
Continuing to overcome is not automatic for the Christian. Not all Christians continue to overcome the world. Only those who continue to live by faith do. However, no one can overcome the world unless he or she believes that Jesus is the Son of God (v. 5). Warren Wiersbe tells the story of a soldier in the army of Alexander the Great who was not acting bravely in battle. When he should have been pressing hard, he was lingering behind. The great general approached him and asked, “What is your name soldier?” The man replied “My name, sir,  is Alexander.” The general looked him straight in the eye and said firmly: “Soldier, get in there and fight; or change your name.” Where a man sits determines how much authority he may exercise.

Application

How are belief, love and obedience interconnected? I need to be honest as to which of these three  I’m struggling with the most? Lord, help me to confess it and work on it.