Love and Obedience

If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20

Love is fundamental for followers of Jesus Christ. Today's verse challenges us to examine the genuineness of our love for God by observing how we love those around us.

According to A.W. Tozer, love is ultimately demonstrated through obedience. In other words, our willingness to follow Christ's commandments is the real test of our love.

The final test of love is obedience. The Christian cannot be certain of the reality and depth of his love until he comes face to face with the commandments of Christ and is forced to decide what to do about them. — A.W. Tozer

As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus, who demonstrated perfect love through His life, death, and resurrection. Christ's commandments are not burdensome or overbearing but guide us toward abundant joy and purpose.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31

These commandments encourage us to extend the same grace, forgiveness, and mercy God has showered upon us to our family, friends, and neighbors. Following Christ's commandments can be difficult as it involves setting aside our pride, forgiving those who have wronged us, and sacrificially serving others.

Dear Church, let us pause and reflect on Christ's love in action as we examine the condition of our love for God and others. Let us look at our hearts and ask ourselves if we are truly walking in obedience to the commandments of Christ.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8