But whoever guards His word, truly in this one the love of God is brought to maturity. By this we experientially know that we are in Him (1 John 2:5).
The sense of “guard” is to preserve something in a safe state. Thus, whoever guards Christ’s words will be obedient to them because he knows their value and seeks to preserve them. This attitude means His words will impact the lifestyle of the believer. As we are obedient to His words, the love of God matures in us. Mature love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) and seeks the best for other members of the body of the Christ (1 John 4:12).
Our love for God is shown by how we treat other believers (1 John 4:21). This is not a love that is to be shown to the world nor the things of the world (1 John 2:15). The only way this type of love can be produced in us is a result of being filled up by the Spirit where we lack so that He produces this type of character in our life (Ephesians 5:18). As we seek out and yield our members to the desires we have from the Holy Spirit, love, joy peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, objectivity of mind, and self-control become a regular part of our lifestyle, for in yielding to the Holy Spirit’s desires within us, we learn to abide in Christ; therefore, guarding His words.