“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” John 14:23
Lord Jesus, first of all, thank you for making our love for you the preeminent issue in our lives.
- Not “making you Lord” (You’re already King of kings and Lord of lords).
- Not keeping you happy (You’re actually praying we’ll have the fullness of your joy in us).
- Not building your Kingdom (We’re citizens and subjects in your Kingdom, but only you can expand and build it. And that’s exactly what you’re up to).
But—and this is a big and timely “but,” you do call us to obey you, Jesus—to keep your “commandments,” and your “word.” Our love for you will be seen in our obedience to you. Hallelujah, there are no salvation-wages to earn from you, just obedient-love to give you.
We love you because you first loved us and gave yourself for us on the cross. We obey you because you fulfilled the Law for us (Rom. 5:19), and are now committed to fulfilling the law in us (Rom. 8:3-4).
Jesus, forgive us for living more like we’re consumers in “Krispy Kreme,” than citizens and subjects in your Kingdom. Among other things, you call us to…
- Humble ourselves and abide in your love
- Love others as you love us
- Forgive as you forgave us
- Worship you more today than we worry about tomorrow
- Seek first your Kingdom, not our “fiefdom”
Jesus, grant us big-grace, Spirit-power, and more love for you than ever. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and mighty name.