“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”
— John 15:10
We are to follow Jesus’ example. Just as he was obedient to his Father, we are to obey Jesus. Obedience and love go hand in hand. And what a promise is attached to this obedience! We will live in Jesus’ love in the same way that he rests in God’s love.
Jesus made it very plain. “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Don’t tell Jesus (or others) that you love the Lord if you’re not willing to do what he tells you to do. “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them” (John 14:21). When you obey the Lord, he pours out such love on you. As you grow in this love, something wonderful happens. Obedience becomes a habit — and a joy!
More To Explore: 1 John 2:5 – 6
Girl Talk: How often do you say that you love God, even though you’re not doing what he asks? What is one thing that you know he wants you to do, but you’re having trouble obeying?
God Talk: “Lord, I want to better prove my love for you by obeying your desires for me. Please help me follow you every day. Amen.”
From Shine On, Girl! by Kristi Holl