When people are close to us we may take them for granted. We may abuse the relationship in some way without realising how our own selfish demands destroy mutual love and respect. Jesus told His disciples that it was love which drove His relationship with the Father, and with them. That love was not a sentimental emotion often portrayed in films, but a deep heart passion to please the other person. That was why Jesus came to earth - to do the Father’s will (John 14:31). He expected His disciples to express their love for Him by obeying Him.
‘Remaining in Christ’s love’ is an intentional, disciplined desire to please Him. We know what pleases Him because we have His teaching: so, to obey His teaching is to love Him. Of course, we can never earn His love by our obedience (it is always imperfect and incomplete). Initially we receive His love, forgiveness and His Spirit as gifts of His grace; but having gained so much in Christ, we have a personal responsibility to remain in Him. Again, we are totally dependent on His life flowing through us, but we have to desire what pleases Him … and be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure we are obedient. As we do, we will experience the satisfying joy of obedient love.
Loving obedience is always sacrificial. Remaining in Christ’s love will always require an exclusive and passionate focus on Him. As Hebrews 12:1-3 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Is that a description of your relationship with Jesus? If so, keep pressing on where He has marked out the way. If not, stop taking Him for granted; repent and ask the Lord to give you a new heart to please Him, the courage to obey and His joy as your relationship is restored.
Love, Obedience And Joy
John 15:9-11
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (NIV)
Prayer
Lord of all Joy. Thank You for the loving obedience which Jesus demonstrated, even willing to suffer the pain and shame of the cross. I am sorry that I waver in my love for Him, believing that I can find better joy through disobeying Your Word. Please stir in my heart a new understanding of the importance of remaining in a love-obedience bond with Jesus, and give me the courage to set aside other pleasures so that I may receive His joy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Bible Book
© Dr Paul Adams
