His Name in Vain
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Exodus 20:7 NKJV
In Google's English Dictionary, provided by Oxford Languages, one definition for "vain" is, "producing no result; useless." When we take on the identity of God, saying that we belong to Him, or that we know Him, then there should be results or proof of such a claim. If I claim that I belong to God, or know God, yet I do not love others, help others, etc., then I am claiming God's name in vain.
God is Love. If my life is not an example of that love then my claim of belonging to Love is producing no result, and is therefore useless. The Pharisees knew, and obeyed, the law and scriptures very well. Their church attendance was at par. Even Paul mentions this in Philippians 3:4-6. Yet, Jesus called these same Pharisees "children of the devil" (John 8:44).
If we claim God's name, His ownership of our lives, and an identity as His children, then we must show the results and the usefulness of His love. Stop trying to do better, that's what Pharisees do. Instead just learn to Love better. God is Love, don't use that name in vain.
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him].
1 John 4:7 AMPC
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God.
Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
1 John 4:7 NLT
I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.
By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].
John 13:34-35 AMPC
He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.
1 John 4:8 AMPC
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