The difference between knowing about God and knowing God.
To know about God is to gather facts and information about Him.
This is often academic and detached from personal experience.
For instance, someone might know that God is described as omnipotent, all-powerful, omniscient, all-knowing, and omnipresent everywhere.
They might memorize scriptures or study theology yet never experience God personally. Finally, the Pharisees in the Bible knew the scriptures thoroughly but often missed
Jesus said to them, You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that bear witness about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me that you may have life.
John 5 verses 39-40
Knowing about God is like knowing facts about a celebrity, reading about their life but never meeting them face to face. While it's not bad to learn, it is incomplete without purpose.
Knowing God is relational
Knowing God means engaging with Him through faith and trust. It involves intimacy, much like a close friendship or parent-child relationship.
Jesus described this relationship as eternal life, saying, This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
John 17 verse 3
This knowledge goes beyond facts. It's a heart-level connection where we experience God's presence, love, and guidance in our daily lives.
For example, King David wrote in Psalm 23 verses 1-3,
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
David didn't just know about God's qualities as a shepherd. He experienced them personally in his life, moving from head knowledge to heart knowledge, to transition from merely knowing about God to truly knowing Him.
We must take steps of faith. Pray speak to God honestly. Prayer builds connection.
Trust, believe His promises and surrender your life to Him. Obey and live according to His word, which shows love and trust in Him.
James 4 verse 8 encourages us,
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Knowing about God is the foundation, but knowing God transforms your heart, bringing peace, joy and eternal life.
James 4 verse 8 says,
Believe and take hope and let that relationship grow. Obey and trust and be in faith and let that relationship grow.
Stay Blessed.
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