In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 1 John 5:3
Rules are something that many people do not like to have to follow. They are good for the other person, but not for self, because they are restrictive and keep a person from really ‘living’ life.
It is common for many to see how close they can come to breaking the rule, without actually breaking it. More energy is spent in trying to get close to the line, then would be in just obeying the rule.
As John brings his letter to an end, he tells the people that love for God is keeping His commands and that His commands are not a burden.
Looking at many churches and believers, one would think that all a Christian life would be is just living a life of what to do and what not to do, with the emphasis on what not to do. Talk is often heard of what all the commands of God are, laying a heavy burden upon the people.
When the focus is on what to do or not do, the commands are difficult to follow. Believers need to change their focus from what God’s commands are to loving Him. Anyone who loves God will want to obey Him because he trusts Him completely. God’s love is perfect, so He will not give any command that is bad or difficult.
Once a person falls in love with God, he will find joy in obeying His commands. They will no longer be a burden or chore that must be done, but that want to be done.
Living will begin on a level that was never realized before because it is out of love, not duty.
You may see all the commands of God and be overwhelmed and burdened by them. Instead of looking at the commands as a burden, learn to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Get to know God’s perfect love for you.
As you begin to realize God’s love for you, you will begin to love Him back. The love you have for God will lighten the load of obeying His commands, turning them into a joy because they will bring about life.
Do not look at the commands as a must, but that you get to out of love.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know God’s love for you; that you will love God with all of your being; that you will find joy in obeying God; and that you will know the life you can have in obeying God’s commands.
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