If you know God, you know real love, because "God is love" (1 John 4:8). You can read about God's love in the Bible and even sing about it, without experiencing God's love. Faith in Jesus Christ introduces you to God's love in your heart. "For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love" (Romans 5:5, NLT).
You may have read the Bible, said prayers, and attended church, but do you know God? How can anyone really know God? He must reveal himself to you and in you. He has revealed his love and grace, through the gospel of Jesus Christ. "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NLT).
Only the Spirit of God can enable you to truly know God. The Holy Spirit changes your heart to know God in a personal way. He gives you faith to know God and walk with him everyday. The Holy Spirit gives you understanding and guidance in your walk with God. "For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children" (Romans 8:16).
Knowing God means that you know him as your Father through his Son Jesus Christ. You know that your sins are forgiven, and Jesus is your Lord. It means God is working in you what is pleasing to him. "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him" (Philippians 2:13, NLT).
