“As we fall deeper in love with Jesus, obedience becomes easier.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 24, 2025
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:2-3
Evidence for being a child of God is loving and obeying God. Children sometimes disobey, but if they love and respect their parents, their heart desires not to disappoint them—but to joyfully obey. Fortunately, we have a perfect parent in our heavenly Father, always with us, helping us discover His best for us. We will sometimes disobey, but as our love and respect grow for our loving Father, we will desire not to let Him down—we will joyfully obey. And as we grow in our love and obedience, we will grow in understanding the Lord’s commands. What is a divine command? A divine command originates in God, who is our ultimate moral authority. His commands are authoritative because they are rooted in His nature and sovereignty.
Obeying the Lord’s commands is for our benefit. Henry Blackaby makes this point, “God’s commands are designed to guide you to life’s very best.” Obedience brings incredible benefits that impact every aspect of our lives. It deepens our relationship with Jesus. When we follow His guidance, we align our hearts with His, experiencing His love and presence more fully. Obedience also provides peace. God’s commands serve as guardrails, protecting us from harm and guiding us toward what is best. This doesn’t mean life will be free of challenges, but we will have His wisdom and strength to navigate them. Following His commands also sets an example for others, directing them to His goodness. As Jesus stated in John 15:10-11, obeying God leads to joy—a joy rooted in knowing we live in His will and walk closely with Him. Love obeys.
The Lord’s commands are not burdensome. They aren’t meant to weigh us down—they’re designed to bring us freedom and joy. Why are His commands not a burden? Because they come from a loving Father, who knows what’s best for us. Following His guidance protects us from harm and leads us toward peace, purpose, and fulfillment. It’s like a GPS guiding us to our destination; it might sometimes feel restrictive, but it keeps us from getting lost. When we obey out of love for God, not obligation, His commands feel lighter. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). His commands reflect His love, guiding us gently toward the life He’s prepared for us. As we fall deeper in love with Jesus, obedience becomes easier.
Growing in love and obedience to the Lord starts with intimate moments with Him. Invest time daily to pray and meditate on His Word—this is where His love and commands come alive. Focus on small, daily steps of obedience. Maybe it’s forgiving someone, giving generously, or speaking the truth with kindness. Obedience doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it’s about listening to the Holy Spirit and acting in faith and love. Surround yourself with others who love the Lord—they’ll encourage you and help keep you accountable. Worship is another way to deepen your love for God. When you reflect on His goodness, obedience flows naturally from a grateful heart. As you trust Him more, obedience becomes less about rules and more about relationships. Love joyfully obeys, and the more you love Jesus, the more obedient you become.
Prayer
Lord, help me show my love for You through obedience. Teach me to follow Your commands with joy and trust, knowing they lead to peace, purpose, and a deeper relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
In what one area of your life is the Lord asking you for total obedience?
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:15, 15:10; 2 John 1:6
Worship Resource
Tiffany Hudson: Obey
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