LOVE GOD’S CHILDREN BY LOVING OBEDIENCE TO GOD

LOVE GOD’S CHILDREN BY LOVING OBEDIENCE TO GOD

 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. —I John 5:2-3

 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” —Matthew 22:34-40

             Do we love other believers?  How do we show that?  Have we shown love to another child of God this week… or even will we today?  How can we show the love of God to another follower of Jesus?  A phone call?  A visit?  A note?  Lending a helping hand?  How will we show love to another in the body of Christ?

            Another way I can show that I love other believers, which can include the above, is to love God and keep His commands, live according to His Word.  Now to do so is not a drudgery, have to, burdensome obedience.  No, it is a joyful, thankful, willingness to please Him by doing what He says.  Loving God and being faithful to His desires is what is best for us because He only has our best interests in mind.  If we do not believe this then we will not obey and be faithful to His desires.

            Now, I can say I love other believers, but if I am not being obedient to God then I am a liar— “Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person” (I John 2:4).  Not only that, say what I might, but without loving obedience I am not being honest with God, with myself and with others.  I may be putting on an outward façade of loving obedience, but “the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13).  God knows why you and I do what we do and think like we think.  Nothing is hidden from His sight and we will give an account to Him.  May we be lovingly obedient to Him.

            Loving God and loving people are the two Great Commands that Jesus gave us.  How we doing in those areas?  How much do I really love God and how much to I really love people?  It will be seen in loving obedience to God! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcFKZlxX2Gw

Dear Father may my life be one of loving service to You and to others.  May my love for You be top priority in my life.  Then may I also be loving others according to Your desires however You want me to work that out.  May this be done by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  So be it!