What Did Jesus Mean?
In John 14:15, Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." This simple yet powerful statement ties love and obedience together. Many people say they love God, but Jesus makes it clear that true love for Him is shown through action—specifically, by following His commands.
This verse is part of a larger conversation Jesus had with His disciples before His crucifixion. He was preparing them for His departure, teaching them how to remain in a close relationship with Him even when He was no longer physically present.
Love and Obedience Go Hand in Hand
Love is more than words. Anyone can say they love Jesus, but love is proven through obedience. In the same way that a child shows love for their parents by listening to them, we show love for Christ by obeying His teachings.
Jesus didn’t give commands to control us, but to guide us into a life of peace, joy, and eternal security. When we follow His teachings, we align ourselves with His will and experience His blessings.
What Are Jesus’ Commandments?
Jesus summarized all of God’s commandments into two main principles:
- Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37)
- Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)
These two commands cover everything. If we love God fully, we will naturally obey Him. If we love others, we will treat them with kindness, honesty, and respect.
Some specific commands Jesus gave include:
- Repent and believe in the Gospel. (Mark 1:15)
- Love your enemies and pray for them. (Matthew 5:44)
- Forgive others so that God will forgive you. (Matthew 6:14-15)
- Do not judge others unfairly. (Matthew 7:1)
- Go and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19-20)
When we follow these commands, we reflect Christ’s love to the world.
The Holy Spirit Helps Us Obey
Obeying God’s commands isn’t always easy. We are human and often struggle with sin and temptation. That’s why Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to help us.
In John 14:16-17, right after saying, "If you love me, keep my commandments," Jesus said He would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit, who would guide and strengthen believers.
The Holy Spirit:
- Helps us understand God’s Word.
- Convicts us when we go astray.
- Gives us the strength to obey.
- Fills us with love, joy, peace, and patience.
Without God’s help, obedience would be impossible. But with the Holy Spirit, we can live a life that pleases Him.
Obedience Leads to Blessings
When we obey God’s commands, we experience His blessings. Deuteronomy 28:1 says, "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth."
Some blessings of obedience include:
| Obedience Brings | Scripture Reference |
|---|---|
| Peace | Isaiah 26:3 |
| Joy | John 15:10-11 |
| Wisdom | Proverbs 9:10 |
| Protection | Psalm 91:14-15 |
| Eternal Life | John 3:36 |
Though following Jesus doesn’t mean life will always be easy, it does mean we will have His peace and guidance in every situation.
A Daily Commitment
Obedience is not a one-time event but a daily decision. Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
This means:
- Seeking God through prayer and Bible reading.
- Choosing love and forgiveness over anger.
- Living in honesty and integrity.
- Sharing the Gospel with others.
Each day, we have opportunities to show our love for Christ through our actions.
Final Thoughts
Jesus’ words in John 14:15 remind us that love is more than just a feeling—it’s a choice to follow Him. By keeping His commandments, we show our devotion and open the door to a life of joy, peace, and purpose.
Are you demonstrating your love for Christ through obedience today?
