Loving Commandments
In John 13 we find Jesus and the disciples at supper While washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus told Peter that if he refused to be washed then Peter would have not part with him. Upon completion of the task Jesus proclaimed that he had left them an example to follow: an example of love, humility and service. Then in the next three chapters Jesus goes on to explain what love really is and what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
We show love to God by following His commandments.
Love, as we have defined it, means sacrifice! But love also means keeping the commandments of the Lord (John 14:15). Love is the means by which we show others the way to Jesus (John 13:35). While we hear a lot about love in the greater religious world we seldom see true love in action. We do indeed see folks do some of the things that God says, we see them give sacrificially, we hear them give lip service to praising and glorifying the Lord. But doing some of what God says isn’t doing all that God says. And ignoring, distorting, and trampling on God’s Word is not loving. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Which ones, Lord? Silly question, right?
“You shall love the LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39). Show your love today by giving yourself to the Lord fully in obedience and faithfulness. Show your love today by doing some good deed for someone in need. Show your love today by forgiving your brother his trespasses. Show your love today by sharing the message of the greatest love ever know. Share the good news with someone today!