Love by Doing
"Jesus’ love language is obedience."
John 14:15 (NIV)
If you love me, keep my commands.
Reflection
The lady with the pursed lips and an even tighter pocketbook sings her heart out during worship service, but she doesn’t serve anyone.
The man who brings his family to church in matching bow ties on Easter Sunday, but doesn’t lead them to serve anyone.
The couple who reads books, studies devotionals, and listens to Jesus podcasts on their morning commute, but they don’t serve anyone.
In this one profound sentence, Jesus invites His disciples into the kind of love that results in action. He isn’t asking them if they believe in Him. He asks them if they love Him. Jesus calls them into a deeper relationship with Him. One where they will show their love for Him by obeying. We are to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). We can’t claim to be His followers by disregarding His teachings and His people.
The world today is in chaos, much like in biblical times. If we walk in obedience with God, He will show us the best way to live. When we disobey, shame and guilt slither in, and we hide from God. Our disobedience hinders our ability to experience His presence. This is not punishment, though. When we behave this way, we remove reciprocation. We dishonor God and demonstrate a lack of appreciation. If only we had some guidance somewhere, like a book of instructions on how to live our lives…BUT WAIT!
God didn’t say, “If you love me, you will sing my commands.”
God didn’t say, “If you love me, you will dress up twice a year.”
God didn’t say, “If you love me, you will know my commands.”
To obey is even better than to sacrifice. Jesus’ love language is obedience. It’s not wrong to think about how much God loves us, but we need to remember how much we love Him. It’s powerful to watch someone obey God, especially through tragedy. How do you know if you love Him? If something feels off between you and God, get back to the business of repenting, obeying, and bringing others to Him. This is how you know your heart’s true intentions. It’s a beautiful, overwhelming cycle of love between the Father and His children.
Action Steps
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me understand and absorb Your word. Soften my heart so that I may respond appropriately and lovingly bring others to You. Give me strength to praise You, especially through storms. Provide the right words when I’m angry or frustrated, so I may glorify You. Use me as salt and light in the chaos. I’m sorry I forget or get smug. Thank You for loving me even though I get in my own way. I wander and You find me every single time. I love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If you love me, keep my commands.
Reflection
The lady with the pursed lips and an even tighter pocketbook sings her heart out during worship service, but she doesn’t serve anyone.
The man who brings his family to church in matching bow ties on Easter Sunday, but doesn’t lead them to serve anyone.
The couple who reads books, studies devotionals, and listens to Jesus podcasts on their morning commute, but they don’t serve anyone.
In this one profound sentence, Jesus invites His disciples into the kind of love that results in action. He isn’t asking them if they believe in Him. He asks them if they love Him. Jesus calls them into a deeper relationship with Him. One where they will show their love for Him by obeying. We are to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). We can’t claim to be His followers by disregarding His teachings and His people.
The world today is in chaos, much like in biblical times. If we walk in obedience with God, He will show us the best way to live. When we disobey, shame and guilt slither in, and we hide from God. Our disobedience hinders our ability to experience His presence. This is not punishment, though. When we behave this way, we remove reciprocation. We dishonor God and demonstrate a lack of appreciation. If only we had some guidance somewhere, like a book of instructions on how to live our lives…BUT WAIT!
God didn’t say, “If you love me, you will sing my commands.”
God didn’t say, “If you love me, you will dress up twice a year.”
God didn’t say, “If you love me, you will know my commands.”
To obey is even better than to sacrifice. Jesus’ love language is obedience. It’s not wrong to think about how much God loves us, but we need to remember how much we love Him. It’s powerful to watch someone obey God, especially through tragedy. How do you know if you love Him? If something feels off between you and God, get back to the business of repenting, obeying, and bringing others to Him. This is how you know your heart’s true intentions. It’s a beautiful, overwhelming cycle of love between the Father and His children.
Action Steps
- Make a list of ways you would show your appreciation and commitment to a loved one. Now think of the ways you do so for God.
- At the end of each day, ask yourself, “Have I loved well today?”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me understand and absorb Your word. Soften my heart so that I may respond appropriately and lovingly bring others to You. Give me strength to praise You, especially through storms. Provide the right words when I’m angry or frustrated, so I may glorify You. Use me as salt and light in the chaos. I’m sorry I forget or get smug. Thank You for loving me even though I get in my own way. I wander and You find me every single time. I love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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