“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” John 15:10
We have verse 10 and 11 left to study, and then our meditations on “the vine” from John 15 will be complete. This week, there is a tiny but powerful word used: if. First, let’s make it clear that God’s love for us is not conditional. He gave an eternal gift willingly through the death and resurrection of Christ. However, it’s important to note that as believers, there is a link between love and obedience. Christ’s love for us drove Him to action. Love cannot exist without action.
Dwelling in Christ will produce an unstoppable act of obedience. Too often, we place obedience before love. We tell ourselves, “I’m not perfect; I have sinned; therefore, I cannot truly love God.” But what He’s trying to help us understand is that our attention and heart need focused on simply seeking Him. Then, the obedience will come as a natural outpouring. As our church learned on Sunday: loving obedience will not produce pride or guilt.
Praise
Lord, we praise You for being our forever faithful and willing sacrifice. You are the sustainer and maintainer of eternal love, and we are grateful that You’ve tucked us underneath Your wing.
Confess
Father, how frequently we try to force ourselves into obedience and create the rules and regulations to augment your grace. Forgive us for not accepting grace for what it is: an unmerited gift for this wretched man that I am.
Petition
Gracious King, help me to understand the link between love and obedience. May I first seek You, and then allow the overflow to move me forward in obedience. Amen.