The Wisdom of Obedience

John 14:15 is about the connection between love and obedience in our relationship with Jesus. Jesus tells His disciples that if they truly love Him, they will naturally want to follow His teachings. It's not about following rules for the sake of it, but about a loving response to the grace and love He has shown us. This verse reminds us that our love for Jesus should be reflected in how we live and the choices we make daily.

Devotional: 

Obedience is often seen as a simple duty, but in John 14:15, Jesus connects it directly to love. He tells His disciples that their love for Him will be demonstrated by their willingness to keep His commands. This verse reveals a profound truth: obedience is not just about following rules, but about aligning our hearts with God’s will out of love for Him.

The wisdom of obedience lies in understanding that God’s commands are not burdensome restrictions, but loving guidance meant to lead us into a life of freedom and joy. When we choose to obey, we are choosing to trust that God knows what is best for us. It’s an act of faith, believing that His ways are higher than our ways and that His plans are good.

Jesus perfectly modeled this obedience during His time on earth. Even in the face of suffering, He submitted to the Father’s will, knowing that it would bring about the ultimate good—our salvation. His obedience was rooted in His deep love for the Father and for us. By following His example, we learn that true obedience flows from a heart that loves God and desires to please Him.

Obedience also brings us closer to God. As we obey His commands, we grow in our relationship with Him, becoming more attuned to His voice and His leading. It strengthens our faith, as we see the blessings that come from walking in His ways. And in those moments when obedience is difficult, we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us, giving us the strength to follow through.

It’s important to remember that obedience is not about perfection, but about the posture of our hearts. God knows our weaknesses, and He is patient with us. What matters is our willingness to submit to His will and to seek His help in living according to His Word.

Action: Reflect on your relationship with obedience. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to obey God’s commands? Take time to pray, asking God to give you a heart that desires to follow Him faithfully. Start with one specific area where you can practice obedience this week.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your commands that guide us in the way of life. Help us to love You with all our hearts and to express that love through our obedience to Your Word. Give us the strength to follow Your commands, even when it’s difficult, and help us to trust in Your wisdom and goodness. May our obedience draw us closer to You and reflect Your love to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought for the Day: Obedience is the fruit of a loving relationship with God. When we choose to obey, we show our trust in His wisdom and our love for His ways.