FEAR OR LOVE
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
1 John 2:1-6 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Some powerful thoughts here. The conclusion is strong, “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” There are a lot of people who claim to know God. Recently Cindy and I were watching a football game. Cindy loves to hear the interviews at the end of the game. One of the players made a comment expressing thanks to God for the victory. Cindy asked me, “Is that person a Christian?” I responded to Cindy, “I don’t know. I don’t really know the person.” When we have a great victory it is easy to say we thank God for helping us in this win. But I’m not sure that qualifies us to be considered a follower of Jesus. John seems to tell us that true followers are those who “obey his commandments.” He says we don’t really know Him if we don’t keep His commandments. I grew up in a church that talked a lot about commandments. We had a long list of things we didn’t do. Looking back, it seemed many were more interested in knowing the commandments and teaching us the rules than they were in teaching us to know Jesus. An employee will obey the rules of the company because their check depends on obedience. They act out of fear of losing their job. I don’t believe that is God’s intended motivation for us. In my marriage I have chosen to do certain things and not do other things not because I fear Cindy, but because I love Cindy. (Although I might have good logical reason to fear some things from Cindy) The truth is because I love Cindy, I want to honor her, I want to make sure she feels like the she is the only woman for me. I choose not to flirt with other women. I choose not to say or do anything that would make her look bad or dishonor her. My behavior is motivated by love not by fear. I believe the same is true in our obedience to God’s commandments. When we realize we are loved by God, there is a strong desire to please God. Because He loves us, He has shared with us some guidelines to be able to live the best life. Learning not to lie is beneficial to us and to society. Can you imagine how great life would be if everyone was honest? Out of love I try to please God. I am not perfect, but His grace and mercy keep working on me.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to have a better understanding of Your love. Help me to live in Your love and as a result to live in obedience.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”