Love is obedience not a feeling.
Scripture
“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
Observation
This passage in the Bible were words Jesus was speaking to His disciples. If we claim to be disciples of Jesus then this applies to us also. Here, He was letting them know how He measures love. In today’s society love is translated to feelings or emotions. However, Jesus was letting them know that He translates love to obedience. One thing I observed from the first sentence is that for you to even keep the commandments of God , you need to first have them. How can you keep something you don’t have ? His commandments is not just limited to His words in the Bible but things He’s told or prescribed for you to consecrate or set you apart. The word “commandment” also translates to “order, command, charge, precept, injunction”. This scripture also reaffirms that there’s only ONE way to God the Father and that’s through Jesus Christ. You can’t skip Jesus in your attempt to know or love God. It is He who knows and loves Jesus that is also loved by God the Father. If there’s one thing that is guaranteed is the fact that when we are obedient to God, He reveals Himself to us.
Let’s unpack Him revealing Himself to us. We know God is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6) . God revealing Himself to you could like you knowing the truth about a situation you’re confused about . It could also mean looking more like Jesus in character; you’re now a more patient , kind, loving etc person. It could also look like knowing what move to make next in a season of your life. It also looks like never lacking and having abundance of everything as He is life in it’s entirety.
Application
For us to first have commandments of God , it’s important we build a lifestyle where we continually read and study the Bible . This way, we get to understand the ways of God and to also build intimacy with God whilst doing it. You get to recognise the voice of God, the more time you spend reading the Bible . Why ? He is the word (John 1:1). It’s only a matter of time before you start to receive personal instructions for yourself when it comes to consecration or setting yourself apart for instance. As a child of God, the ONLY way you should take to get to God the Father is through Jesus Christ and not any other false god or prophet. Once you have the commandments of God, it’s important to actively obey and maintain them. You can’t afford to be lazy when it comes to the things of God . If you’re lazy and disobedient you won’t see God. Delayed obedience is also disobedience. God reveals Himself to you after you fulfilled the order of obedience. It’s safe to say if God isn’t revealing Himself to you it’s because you’re walking in disobedience.
Prayer
Heavenly Father thank You for Your word today. Where I have disobeyed You please forgive me . I ask that You place a desire in me to always read my Bible and to build intimacy with You. Help me to live a life of obedience in Jesus Name I pray Amen.