As the Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
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John 15:9-11
God measures our love by our obedience to His commands. It is not enough that we know what His instructions are, that we agree with them, or even that we teach them to others. Obedience – an act of the will to align our lives with His commands – is required. God knows how hard we find it to obey. He hears us claim ignorance of His commands or a lack of understanding. Perhaps we tell Him we did not have the courage or the strength to obey. None of our excuses are acceptable to God because He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us obey.–
John 15:9-11
The Holy Spirit is our teacher who will remind us of the commands we already know and pierce our conscience when we disregard them. He also guides us into the truth of Scripture so we cannot claim we have no way to understand it. He will strengthen us and comfort us when we encounter difficulties in trying to obey.
People ask if we are required to obey all the laws of both Old and New Testament. The answer is no. The ceremonial laws of Israel, including the sacrificial system, were fulfilled in Christ. In addition, God gave certain specific commands to the Hebrew nation that applied only to them. But the moral laws of the Old Testament apply to us, as do the New Testament commands.
If we ignore God’s Word, we are being disobedient, and that communicates a lack of love. Demonstrate your love for the Lord by reading His Word and walking in obedience to His voice every day.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to submit to your will and walk in obedience at all times.Scriptural Reading:
John 15:9-17
