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“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

When we talk about love, it’s easy to think only in terms of emotion. Warm feelings, passion, affection—these are often how we measure love in our world. But biblical love is made of sturdier stuff.

Jesus defines love not as something we feel but something we live. When He said to His disciples, “If you love Me, keep My commandments,” He wasn’t pointing them toward emotion. He was pointing them toward obedience.

This wasn’t a new concept. Long before Jesus’ earthly ministry, God had told Israel through Moses: “You shall love the Lord your God and keep His charge, His statutes, His judgments, and His commandments always” (Deuteronomy 11:1).

To love God was to trust Him—and to trust Him meant obeying Him. This wasn’t legalism; it was loyalty. It was a relationship marked by faithfulness, not just feelings.

Jesus later echoed this with a challenging question: “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)

We can sing songs, post Bible verses, and say we love God all we want—but the true test is whether we do what He says. Obedience is not a substitute for love; it’s the evidence of it.

And that obedience always flows into love for others. According to Jesus, the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). He said, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

So, how do we show our love for God?

By honoring His Word.
By walking in His ways.
By loving people even when it’s inconvenient.
By listening and following, even when it’s costly.

Love is more than sentiment. It’s a surrender.

It listens. It follows. It obeys.

Is your love for Jesus something others can see—not just in your words, but in your daily choices? In what area of your life is God calling you to love Him through deeper obedience?

PRAYER

Father, may my love for You be more than words. Teach me to obey You fully and joyfully.

Help me to love as You love, to walk as You walked, and to live a life that honors You in all I do. Amen.