God Is Love

Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. The one who doesn’t love Me will not keep My words.” John 14:23–24 (CSB)

Obedience to God’s Word is the evidence of true love for Jesus. In many parts of the Western world, people call themselves Christians because of their upbringing, culture, or church attendance. My niece once told me, “I’m a Christian, Aunt Laura. We’re all Christians in the South.” But Jesus invites us to examine more deeply: What does it really mean to be His follower?

He says, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word.” It begins with a love relationship, not rule-following. We grow in relationship with Jesus by reading His Word and spending time with Him in prayer. From that love flows obedience. It’s not forced, it’s the natural, Spirit-empowered result of a changed heart.

Jesus promises that when we love Him, He and the Father will make their home with us. That indwelling presence gives us both the desire and power to obey not out of duty, but delight.

Notice what Jesus doesn’t say: He doesn’t say, “Obey Me first, then I’ll love you.” Instead, love comes first, and obedience follows. Without a genuine love relationship with Christ, obedience is impossible in our own strength. Only the Holy Spirit living within us enables us to live in joyful obedience.

Lord, thank You for loving me and saving me. Fill me with Your Spirit and give me the strength and joy to walk in obedience today. Amen.

Laura Cowen