February 18, 2023
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. (John 15:10)
As I read (John 15:10) this morning, this is what I understand it to mean: If we don’t have a love relationship with Jesus Christ, we will never be holy. Humor me here as I explain further. To me, I see holiness as the end product of obedience. For instance, if we are obedient to God and love our enemy, would we steal from them or lie to them (to name a few)? No, we wouldn’t. That, to me, is an example of living in holiness. We can only live consistently in this way if we have a relationship with God. Moreover, we may try to obey the Ten Commandments, but honestly, do you think we would succeed there – possibly a little?
God intended that we would obey His Commandments, but He saw we were failing miserably. He loves us so much that He had to devise another solution. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17). This is why we remain faithful to Him, not because we have to, but because we love Him!
Moreover, love covers a multitude of sins. If we are in a love relationship with Christ, we have nothing to fear, and we can trust Him completely, and he will give us everything we need to live a holy life through the indwelling and empowering of His Holy Spirit.
Friends, God promises you and me abundant joy. We will never be able to live a holy life if we do not love God. Only love can motivate us to obey Him. Love is the key to living an abundant, joy-filled life. Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, my heart is filled with love and gratitude for You. You are my great and wonderful God. I come before You today to tell You that I love You. Father, I desire to be in a love relationship with You. May Your love fill me to overflowing. Amen.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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