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2 John 6 - Love and obedience
Scripture:
2 John 6
6 And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is
the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you
should walk in it.
NASU
Thoughts:
John echoes a statement of Christ connecting love and obedience:
John 14:21
21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me;
and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and
will disclose Myself to him."
NASU
This is counter-intuitive to a worldly view of love as purely sentiment
or feeling. Obedience seems like a harsh thing in comparison!
But of course, Jesus is right. Love is not merely a feeling, but
action. Those who have had success in their marriage, know that love
is expressed not just by the occasional romantic evening, but by the
care, concern, and sacrifice that is there day-in and day-out. A
parent knows that their children express their love for them, not just
through words but by obedience. In the same way, our love for the Lord
is expressed not merely by glowing thoughts, words, or feelings, but by
heeding to His will and word in our lives. To do otherwise hints of a
greater love of self than of God.
When we read "commandments," our thoughts immediately go back to the
Old Testament Law. But I don't think this is the intent here. Jesus
taught us that to love God and others summarized those commandments.
And further, I think His commands include those promptings of the Holy
Spirit in our lives. Whether it be towards sharing our faith, helping
a brother or sister in Christ, or avoiding sin, as examples, in our
obedience to His personal leading, we show that we love Him.
Prayer:
Help me to not disregard Your commands to me. My flesh convinces me
"it's OK" when I don't listen to You, but this is a lie. I want to
deepen in my love for You, and lessen in my self love.
Amen
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