“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me … and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
John 14:21
In the first-century Jewish world, a disciple wasn’t simply someone who believed a rabbi’s teachings—they followed them. Obedience wasn’t viewed as earning the teacher’s acceptance but as evidence of trust, love, and devotion. Jesus speaks these words to His disciples on the night before the cross, preparing them to live by faith after His physical departure.
God’s love for us is unconditional, demonstrated while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). But Jesus reminds us that growing mānoa in fellowship with Him involves obedience. Our obedience doesn’t earn us God’s love but opens our hearts to reveal Jesus to us. When I’ve learned to trust God — to obey promptings of His voice in my heart — I grow closer in knowing Him. And of course, I’m still learning and growing to hear His voice, obey and trust Him!
Jesus says in John 15:10, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love.” 1 John 5:3 says, “In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.”
Lord, help my love for You grow mānoa! Thank You for loving me — and Your love living in me — Wowzah! Living in me. Please help me to respond in obedience to You — Your voice, Your Word, Your love — everyday, in the name of the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
