LOVE’S EVIDENCE IS OBEDIENCE
LOVE’S EVIDENCE IS OBEDIENCE
But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” —I Samuel 15:22-23
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. —Luke 14:25-27
Obedience… is a word that many shy away from, but for the follower of Jesus this is a word of great importance. Jesus Himself said, “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). The person who says they love God, but are not obedient to Him is lying! — “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did” (I John 2:3-6). Loving God is the Greatest Command and to be obedient to what He says is the greatest evidence! Just as faith is seen by evidence in a person’s life (James 2:14-26) so is love— “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). Jesus is to be the priority relationship above all relationships and may the words of this song be our hearts desire. This song truly speaks to my heart’s desire. May it be your desire as well— https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLX83HbefrI&spfreload=10
Dear Father may it be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus!