Out of Love for God
READ: 1 John 5:1-6
I’m sure that at one time or another you have heard from your parents, “Have the car home by 12:00,” or “I want you home by midnight.” I myself have had this requested of me, and most of the time I've obeyed, but there have been times when an extra hour or two was needed. I came home two hours after my curfew, and was promptly greeted by my parents, who in return, took away my car privileges for a few days. The point is that I was asked to do a very minor thing, and I disobeyed it. It surely would not have been a bid deal to come home at the correct time, but I didn’t, so there were consequences. But those consequences were for my good.
God also has given us commands that are to be followed. In 1 John 5:3, John writes, “This is love for God; to obey his commandments. And his commands are not burdensome.” The world we live in makes following the commandments seem to be a drag on life. But the truth is that we follow the commands of God because 1) to show love and appreciation for sending his Son Jesus to take the punishment in our place for when we fail to keep his commands, and 2) because God's commands were designed for our good.
Not following God's commands leads to pain and suffering, and if unrepentant, could lead to death. Hold on to Jesus, who fulfilled God's commands in our place, and follow God's commands out of love for God by the power of the Spirit.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What can you do in response to God's love for us? Where, in your life’s actions, do you need the most reform? How can you help others who may not be pleasing God by their actions?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray for yourself, that God may help you in your life regarding your actions. Pray for the people you know that are making the wrong decisions. Give thanks to God for guiding the good decisions that have been made in your life.