[Day 28] Love in Obedience

Sometimes I am asked by conference or seminar participants questions concerning what are permissible and impermissible in the area of purity of life, as revealed in the Bible. Most of these questions were asked because the participants were serious in living a holy and pure life before the Lord. However, some asked these questions in order to push the boundary of the permissible as far as possible, so that they can enjoy the things of their desire without violating God’s holiness.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). Loving Jesus is expressed in obeying Him. If we obey God’s standard of holiness because we love Him, we will most probably not “negotiate” with Him, to push the boundary of the permissible. If He requires us to walk a mile, we will probably not ask, “What about 0.99 mile? Does it count for one mile? Mathematically it does, you know?” We will walk the 2^nd mile willingly and gladly.

Jesus said in the Matthew passage today, that lawlessness is directly proportionate to love for God growing cold. If lawlessness increases in society, it means more people have become increasingly self-centred, it is “Me first! My way or no way! If the law comes into my way, I will break it. My rights at the expense of others’ right.” Etc. Love for fellow human beings will decrease. Society when it comes to this, will find obedience to Jesus and God’s holy words unappealing. Without obedience to God and His standard of holiness and purity, there can be no true love for God. “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” (John 15:10)

The Lord’s encouragement to us today is for us to hold on to our faith. Guard our first love for Him. The Church and the fellowship of God’s people is to encourage and stir one another in the love of God, so that our love for Jesus will not grow cold. If we do so, our reward will be great. We will experience God’s rescue and salvation in this life and in the life to come.

Hold on to Jesus and His promises. You will not be disappointed!

Confess and repent from the times we obeyed God legalistically not because we love Him, but with because we want something from Him. Ask the Lord to sanctify our hearts with His Holy Spirit that we might truly love Him and love others.