November 21, 2022 -- I John 5:1-3 -- Obedience Shows one's love for God and love for others

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
I John 5:1-3 ESV

Obedience is the character trait in focus today. When one is “born again” or “born from above” he experiences an entirely new way of life, of thinking and seeing the world. The person who loves God gives evidence that he is born again. It is God the Father Who gives this new birth, He loved first, and all love is a response to His love. What is striking to me is verse 2 of the reading. Obedience to the commandments of God demonstrates our love for God and our love for His children. Every time we obey God's commandments we are in fact loving our neighbours as well. That is how the commandments are designed!

Disobedience is the obvious negative character trait. Those who are disobedient may appear to be Christians but are bargaining with God. The thought process may run along the lines of: “I’ll live the way I want all my life and at the last minute repent and get all the good stuff of heaven.” Those who are disobedient do not walk in the commandments of God, nor do they delight in Him Who gives such commandments. There is no grief in their hearts when it is revealed to them that they are violating God’s holy and just laws.

Obedience is the love response of the believer. Obedience is the evidence of a heart captivated by the mercy and goodness of God. Obedience includes appropriate submission to the authorities God has placed over you in your life. It is respecting bosses and completing the tasks and responsibilities they give to you. Obedience is necessary in the classroom. No entitled protests and self-aggrandizement here, instead, with eyes focused on God, asking, what should I learn here, how can my respect for my teacher be an influence for good and godly witness?

Obedience reminds the believer he is a child of God. Obedience reminds the Christian each act of service to God is in fact the most obvious way to love the people around her. Obedience within a church enables the community of believers to live in harmony with God and with one another.

Father in heaven, it is Your right to command obedience from Your people. You have chosen Your people in love from before the foundation of the world. You have preserved Your people, even when they were dripping with venom rebellious against You. You have given Jesus as the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Merciful Father, we confess how we chafe against the commandments You give. In light of all Your goodness and rich love it is evidence of how disobedient and vile our hearts really are, the fact that we question how much we should or need to obey. Renew a right spirit in us, so that we will show how much we love You by keeping Your commandments. Deepen our love for You and our capacity to love You as we seek to be obedient to You in every area of our lives. Amen.

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Shane and Shane “Psalm 51” Wisdom in the Secret Heart

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