The Measure of Our Love

 

We don't obey God to prove our love, but when we love Him, we want to obey Him more and more.

John 14:15-24

It’s easy to say we love God, but are you showing by your deeds that you love Him? The old adage is true: Actions speak louder than words. 

The measure of our love is obedience to God’s commands and principles. In fact, Jesus stressed that very point three times in today’s Bible passage (vv. 15, 21, 23). This wasn’t a new concept for the disciples either. They would have been familiar with the scriptural connection between love and obedience (Nehemiah 1:5; Daniel 9:4). In fact, God has always emphasized that the way to show our devotion is by doing what He says (Deuteronomy 8:11; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 13:3-4). 

Halfhearted commitment can look pretty good to others, but God knows the difference. A preacher could preach a thousand sermons without loving God. And as believers, we may lift hands in worship, support missions, and say the right words. But unless we’re following the commands from God’s Word, the most we’re showing Him is lukewarm affection. Works prove nothing. Loving the Lord means obeying Him. 

We are wise, therefore, to follow the Lord’s instructions to Joshua—that is, to meditate on Scripture day and night (Joshua 1:8). Reading from the Bible daily helps us know how to obey—that is the only way to stay faithful and show the Father our love.

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