OBEDIENCE - A SIGN OF LOVE
22nd Jan 2025
Some years ago I fellowshipped with a lady who was very open about her relationship with Jesus. She had been saved from a sexually immoral lifestyle, and had the wealth that allowed you to have everything you wanted, when you wanted it. She was so thankful for Jesus and the new life she had found in Him, and spoke freely of how she loved Him, and He her.
Although I had no problem with what she described, I felt uncomfortable with how she expressed this relationship, and began to question my own love. I had been a Christian for at least a decade, but began questioning if I loved Jesus at all! Eventually I spoke to an older leader and he was able to put my mind at rest. He explained that if we love Jesus we will obey Him. Our obedience is the test of love. Feelings and emotions can come and go, but obedience is the hallmark of one who loves.
Jesus said, “He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me.” John 14:23-24, in the Message says: “Because a loveless world,” said Jesus, “is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we’ll move right into the neighbourhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me.”
When the Holy Spirit convicts or corrects us we need to listen carefully to His instructions and obey; and as you are obedient you will experience Father’s love and encouragement. There is always a reason behind what the Holy Spirit asks of us. He is in the driving seat and knows where He is going.
So check your obedience level. Are you resisting Him? Are you being lazy and putting things off? Throughout scripture, obedience and blessing go hand in hand - so today do
what He has told you, and let God’s love and mercy flow.
For a long time I have known I had to make a lifestyle change, and have resisted doing it. I needed to come boldly before the throne of grace and find mercy and help. I confessed my disobedience and reluctance to make this change.
God is so gracious and faithful and forgiving. Immediately I chose to obey, I found peace and love in abundance. His way is planned and conceived in love, and He knows all the details.
Our job is to obey, and not question why.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
