"I'm sincere and devoted."

When people discuss their religion or spirituality, sometimes they'll mention their devotion and sincerity of belief.

In response, some might say, "I can see that you're sincere and devoted. But you are sincerely wrong in your devotion."

Shocking, right?

Who would be so blunt? It sounds offensive to reject someone's beliefs, particularly when they claim they're committed so completely to them.

You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do.

Who said THAT!? The Lord Jesus Christ. John 8:44

He that says, I know Him, and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Wow, that also seems harsh.

Who wrote that? One of the first disciples of Jesus. 1 John 2:4

Can and should spiritual persons speak the truth in love? Ephesians 4:15

Will we become someone's enemy because we tell them the truth? Galatians 4:16

How and why are some so convinced that "their way of believing" is right and if some or most don't believe this way, too, they're wrong?

We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:6

This disciple, John, was sure that he was following the way, the truth, and the life, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. John 14:6

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God. 1 John 4:14-15

How was John so certain that his beliefs were correct?

Did he follow Jesus because of the miracle works that he saw Him do?

Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I speak not of Myself: but the Father Who dwells in Me [Jesus], He does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake. John 14:10-11

John wrote, And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His name. John 20:30-31

Maybe John was sure of Whom He believed because he ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. Acts 1:3; 10:40-41

And perhaps it was because John had touched Jesus with his own hands and looked upon Him.

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us— what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. I John 1:1-3

Can today's spiritual people also have no doubts?

Your thoughts?

R. Jason