The Simplicity of Loving God
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Doris Hui, Companions in Christ Facilitator)
READ:
1 John 5:2-3 (NIV) “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”
OBSERVE:
- Even if I am involved in much ministry work or hold an official position in church, that does not prove that I love God and keep His commands. I may simply be doing His work but not His will.
- When my love and obedience for God grow cold, I do not only harm myself but also my brothers and sisters. I may be impeding the spiritual progress of God’s people.
- God’s commandments are not burdensome:
– when I see how wise and good the commands of God are. They are gifts from Him to show me the best and most fulfilling life possible. They are like the “manufacturer’s handbook” for life. He tells me what to do because He knows what is best for me. God’s commands are not given to bind or to pain me.
– when I compare them to all the rules and regulations of the Scribes and Pharisees in Jesus’ day. In contrast, Jesus said of Himself: “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).
– when I really love God, I will want to obey Him and please Him. When I love someone, it will not seem troublesome even if I were to go through much difficulty to help or please that person. - Just as the seven years of Jacob’s service for Laban seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for Rachel (Genesis 29:18), obeying God’s commands does not seem to be a burden when I really love Him.
APPLY:
- As a child of God, I have been given a new heart and His laws are written in it. My wish is to please God and I will do what it takes to carry out His commands.
- I will remind myself of the simplicity of loving God and following Him. I must ensure that my relationship with Jesus takes precedence over and above every earthly task or work. This divine relationship with my Creator and Saviour must mature, grow and cause me to love Him more and more each day.
DO:
My love for God must manifest itself in obedience, so I will seek to keep His commands.
PRAY:
Father, my desire is to love You and to love Your people. Empower me to simply do that which pleases you. Help me to walk in obedience to Your commands. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
