For the Love of God

If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).

In the Christian life, obedience should stem from our love for God, not from a sense of duty or trying to earn favor. Obedience is the fruit of love, not a yardstick. We should also keep in mind that God loves us more than we could ever imagine. A parent's love is strong, but it's only a vague glimpse, a hint, of God's love for us.

And now abideth faith, hope, and charity [love], these three; but the greatest of these is charity [love] (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Corinthians tells us that love is the greatest. It has extraordinary power when connected with God. Marriage is at its best when fueled by love and God's plan. Christ, the Holy Spirit, and His Church are all about love. If the love of God and our fellowmen is taken out of the equation, a church becomes just an organization.

For I am persuaded, that neither death,  nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

God's perfect love is never demanding or selfish. It is freely given and demands nothing in return. This should encourage us to return His love with our whole hearts. He deserves our love, adoration, worship, and yes, obedience. This divine loving and being loved is more satisfying than anything. We are in Christ, and He is in us, and nothing can tear us apart.

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