“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.’ John 14:15

Obedience is an illustration of love, it is not done out of obligation or duty but out of a heart-desire to please God and to walk in His way.

The words John uses in the original language are not merely to be understood as obeying a series of moral instructions. These “commands” encompass all of Jesus’ words and teachings, which, in truth, are God the Father’s words. As children of God, we are to obey Him—just as children obey their earthly father—this paves the way for us to love God, love others, and to experience the love of God toward us. We cannot simply say that we love God and will keep His commandments and expect to be able do so on our own.

The good news is we don't have to. God has provided us with a Helper. The Holy Spirit empowers us to keep God's commands, just as Jesus instructed. Through the indwelling presence of the Spirit, we are able to obey God, walk in true freedom, and love God and others.

Ponder:
In what ways does the equation of love with obedience challenge your idea of what it means to obey? How might obedience look and feel different if done out of adoration instead of obligation?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I admit that obedience is a difficult thing for me to wrap my head around. The ways the world teaches us to think about obedience can be harsh and carry the threat of punishment. But when I read Your Word I see that You designed it for my good, out of a desire to keep me safe from things that might harm me. And You didn’t leave it all up to me. You know that in my flesh I am weak - even if I wanted to obey all the time, I simply wouldn’t be able to do it. But You made a way. You set Your Holy Spirit inside me as a Helper and a Comfort, a guide to lead me in the way of righteousness. Help me to be attentive to Your voice and see obedience as a way of walking closely with You. Transform my heart and mind as I seek You in new ways today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.