Love and Obedience
1 John 5:1-5
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. [1 John 5:2]
Love and obedience, the two are mutually inclusive. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” [1 Jn 5:3]. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” [Jn 14:15] There is a fundamental connection between God’s love and God’s commandments. You cannot say that you love God and then continually not do what He says.
Love and obedience is the marriage between the Social and Moral tests that John alludes to throughout his letter. We’ve touched upon these [and a third one, a Doctrinal test] over and over again in our study of 1 John. These tests should be applied to “teachers,” as John described, but they can also be applied to every Christian with a perspective toward maturity. Are we loving? Are we obedient? Are we walking in truth? These are questions that we can ask ourselves as a test of maturity.
Love and obedience are key components in relationships; in your relationship with God; in your relationship with your husband or wife; in your relationship with your children or parents; and in your relationship with all others. Imagine if everyone was loving and obedient to God’s Word; this world would be an entirely different place. It would almost be like heaven. It would actually be close to the biblical description of the Millennium when Jesus will rule and reign for a thousand years upon this earth. In that Day, love and obedience will reign! And what a great Day that will be!
But in this day, we can by faith exercise love and obedience through the power of the Spirit. Before Jesus ascended to heaven He said to His disciples, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” We, today, are on the fulfilled side of that Promise. For those born of the Spirit, that “power from on high” is the Power by which love and obedience is fueled.
It is “‘Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit’ says the Lord Almighty.” [Zech 4:6]
