True Love Obeys

For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]. 1 John 5:3 AMP

The dictionary defines habit as something that a person does often in a regular and repeated way. Human beings develop habits to cope with the pressures of everyday life. Eating breakfast every morning before going to school is a habit. It’s a beneficial habit because it is difficult for a child to concentrate and learn, if he or she is hungry.

Some habits are based on relationship. Loving God should generate some habits in us; one such habit is keeping His commandments. So what is a commandment? Well, one definition is a rule that must be obeyed, especially one handed down by God. So what are these rules and where do we find them? Well, the commandments are found in the Word of God. When Moses addressed the company in Deuteronomy chapter 4, he began, “And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.” Verse 1 NLT.There are benefits when you obey the commandments of the Lord.

The Apostle John also mentioned His precepts; what are precepts? Well, a precept is a rule dictating how you should act or behave. We are all familiar with that because when were children, we got into trouble when we violated the precepts set by our parents. God has some rules to regulate our behavior. Deuteronomy 11:1 tells us, “Therefore you shall love the Lord your God, and always keep His charge, His statutes, His precepts, and His commandments [it is your obligation to Him].”

God is not unfair; He is not simply giving us precepts and commandments just to make our lives difficult. He loves us and wants the best for us so His commandments and precepts are not difficult to obey. When David instructed his son Solomon, he said, “Keep the charge of the Lord your God, [that is, fulfill your obligation to] walk in His ways, keep His statutes, His commandments, His precepts, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may succeed in everything that you do and wherever you turn,” 2 Kings 2:3. God rewards those who keep His ways.

Thought for Today: Friend, keep the Lord’s commands and focus on His precepts.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.