Do you truly know God as your God? This is the ultimate question for every professing Christian, and it is one that demands a careful and honest examination of the heart. If God is truly your God, it will be evident in two defining marks: a deep reverence for Him and a sincere love toward Him. These are inseparable fruits of a soul reconciled to its Maker.

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
(2 Corinthians 13:5, BSB)

The Test of Reverence: Do You Fear God? The psalmist declares, “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him” (Psalm 33:8, BSB). Why should we fear Him? Consider who God is and who we are. He is the Almighty, infinite and holy—majestic in power, wisdom, and glory. We, on the other hand, are fragile, finite, and utterly dependent upon Him for every breath.

How could there be peace between such an exalted God and fallen humanity except through reverence and humility? As Peter admonishes believers:

“Conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth.” (1 Peter 1:17, BSB)

This “fear” is not a servile dread driven by legalism but a holy reverence—a deep awareness of God’s presence and His utter holiness. A true Christian walks carefully, mindful that every thought, word, and action is seen by God. Whether in public or private, they live under the watchful eye of heaven, not out of paranoia but out of a heart filled with awe.

Paul echoes this same theme when he urges believers to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12, BSB). Even in the confidence of their salvation, Christians remain vigilant. They know that sin is not trivial, for it offends a holy God. The redeemed soul will not excuse “secret sins” or adopt a casual attitude toward God’s commands. Instead, their reverence produces a holy caution and a constant desire to honor Him.

This contrasts sharply with the irreverent spirit of the ungodly, whom Jude describes as those who “feast without fear” (Jude 12, BSB). Such individuals live without regard for God’s presence, treating Him as though He were absent or indifferent to their lives. They may claim to know God, but their carelessness reveals hearts untouched by His grace.

Do you live with a holy reverence before God? Is there a weightiness to His presence in your life—a sense that His majesty and holiness deserve your utmost respect? If so, it is a sure sign that His grace has found you.

Do You Love God Above All? Reverence alone is not sufficient. It must be accompanied by love. A person who truly knows God as their God will love Him above all things. John tells us:

“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, BSB)

This love is not something we manufacture on our own. By nature, our hearts are cold and rebellious toward God. We are inclined to love ourselves, the world, and the fleeting pleasures of sin. But when God, in His grace, reconciles us to Himself, He gives us new hearts that are capable of loving Him. His love awakens love in return.

Here lies the great difference between the redeemed and the ungodly. The ungodly may desire God’s blessings—peace, salvation, and comfort—but they do not love Him as He is. They do not delight in His holiness, His justice, or His sovereign rule. In fact, many harbor hostility toward Him, rejecting His ways and resenting His commands. Some may even live as though they wish God did not exist.

But for the redeemed soul, God is not a means to an end—He is the end. He is not simply useful; He is beautiful. The Christian loves God not merely for what He gives but for who He is. God becomes their supreme treasure, the object of their deepest affection and joy.

This love transforms everything. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15, BSB). Love for God produces obedience. It compels us to reject sin and pursue holiness. It causes us to delight in His Word, seek His presence in prayer, and love His people. In short, when you love God, your whole life becomes an offering of devotion to Him.

What, then, is the sure sign that God is truly your God? It is this: you fear Him and you love Him. Where these two graces exist—holy reverence and heartfelt love—God’s transforming presence is unmistakable. Where they are absent, the heart remains unchanged.

Let us, therefore, examine ourselves:

• Do you live with reverence, conducting yourself as one who is always in the presence of a holy and all-seeing God?
• Do you love God supremely, finding your deepest joy in Him and delighting to honor Him in all things?

If God is truly your God, these marks will be evident in your life. You will live in awe of Him, treasuring Him above all else. Reverence and love will shape not only your actions but your very heart.

May we, then, take to heart the psalmist’s words:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24, BSB)

If we find these graces—reverence and love—growing within us, let us rejoice and give glory to God, for it is His work in us. But if we find ourselves lacking, let us turn to Him in repentance, seeking His grace to transform our hearts.

“Let those who fear the LORD say: His loving devotion endures forever.” (Psalm 118:4, BSB)

For there is no greater joy, no higher privilege, and no truer peace than to know that God is our God and we are His people.