Obedience as a Result of Love

This is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.(1 John 5:3)

How difficult it is for the parents of a newborn baby to follow the whole list of care and demands required by the little one! For those who have not yet been parents, it may seem like too much trouble. Getting up at dawn, changing diapers, breastfeeding, bathing, preparing bottles and then purees, getting them to sleep, massaging for colic, calming their cries, and so many other things... day after day! But in reality, doing all that is not so hard for the parents. Yes, it’s an exhausting challenge, but it’s totally rewarding and exciting. Why? Because they love their baby.

In the same way, if we love God, His commandments are not burdensome for us. We do not feel distressed following them because we love Him. Jesus once said to His disciples that they would be His friends if they did what He commanded (John 15:14). Obedience is the first proof that we love the Lord. When we keep His commandments, we reveal that we truly love Him. But the most wonderful thing is that this obedience does not harm us. On the contrary! It is good for us and results in peace and encouragement in our hearts.

Love and obey God more

Pray to God and thank Him because His commands are light and full of grace.

Take a moment to reflect: Do you love God? Have you obeyed His commandments?

Before obeying, you need to know and believe. Read the Bible daily and listen to messages about the Word of God.

Ask God to help you learn and obey His commandments.

More than hearing, put God's commandments into practice. The summary of them is to love Jesus and love your neighbor.

Is there something that has seemed too heavy for you? Read Matthew 11:25-30. Share your burden with Jesus.

Share God's love with those around you.

To pray:

Lord my God, thank You because You do not burden us with demands heavier than we can bear. On the contrary, Your commands are simple and true. Help me to obey them daily without hiding or being afraid. I thank You because You loved me first and teach me to love in spirit and in truth. I love You, God! May my love be shown in practice, in faith, and in obedience to Your Word. In the name of Jesus, amen.