Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. – 1 John 2:5
John has been talking the language of law. Now, he is talking the language of love, and the two are joined together. “Whoever keeps his word [his commandments], in him truly the love of God is perfected.”
The love of God has a purpose: to reproduce itself in us, that we may love as He first loved us. And the evidence that God’s love has fulfilled its purpose in us is that we keep God’s Word.
The obedience John is describing does not come from a sense of duty. It comes from love. This is the clear teaching of Jesus: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15). Our submission to God’s will is the fruit of God’s love. We love because He first loved us.
There is a beautiful freedom about the Christian life. What is freedom? Some people have the idea that it is being able to do whatever you want. But some of the things we want to do would be damaging to ourselves, hurtful to others, and most of all, offensive to God.
So here’s a better definition: Freedom is when what you want aligns with what God commands. That’s why we read in Psalm 1:1-2 that the man who delights in the law of God is blessed.
Christ brings us into the most beautiful freedom by aligning our desires with God’s Word. When what you desire aligns with what God commands, then you will be free.
Ask God to breathe on you and fill you afresh with His Spirit so that you might love what He loves, and do what He would do.
Daily Devotional Details
Date
Do You Need Hope This Easter Season?
Watch the powerful story of the thief on the cross today
The thief’s story of salvation is one that begins, literally, on the brink of hell. The pain this man had experienced throughout his life fueled his hate for God, so much so that he detested the man hanging there on the cross beside him. But then, for the first time, he began to fear God.
If you’ve found yourself in a similar place, there is hope. Hope because heaven is real, hope because we have a Savior, and hope because all you have to do is accept Jesus’ invitation.
Listen NOW!
The HIKE Through the Bible podcast is now streaming! Join Pastor Colin for a leisurely hike through the entire Bible story. In every episode he reads a chapter from his new book HIKE Through the Bible and then discusses it with some friends.
Join Pastor Colin In-Person!
Do you want to understand the Bible story? 📖
Pastor Colin Smith’s upcoming event FLY THROUGH THE BIBLE, is a high-altitude exploration of the entire Bible story. This brief introduction to the Bible will help you grasp who God is, who you are, who Jesus is, and what He offers to you!
Coming to 4 cities this fall:
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Twin Cities, Minnesota
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Will you join us?
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