Loving Jesus shows itself in following what He says.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”John 14:15 (KJV)
What does “Obedience” mean in John 14:15?
The Greek word for keep, tereo, means to guard and to hold carefully. Jesus links love and obedience together, and He places love first.
Going deeper
Jesus spoke these words on the night before He died, when He was preparing His disciples for the days ahead. He does not say that obedience earns His love. He says that love produces obedience. If we truly love Him, we will want to do what He asks, the way a child who adores a parent wants to please them. It is a relationship, not a checklist.
The very next verses promise the Holy Spirit as a helper, which tells us that obedience is not something we do alone. He gives us the desire and the strength. If you find obedience hard, start with love. Spend time remembering what Jesus has done for you and how much you are loved. Then choose one thing you already know He is asking of you, and do it today. Small, faithful steps of obedience are one of the clearest ways of saying, Lord, I love You.
Reflect
What is one thing you already know Jesus is asking of you that you could do today out of love?
Pray
Jesus, I love You. Give me the desire and the strength to follow what You say, and help me to obey out of love. In Jesus' name, amen.
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