John 14:23

NASB	NLT	VOICE
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will follow My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him.	23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.	23 Anyone who loves Me will listen to My voice and obey. The Father will love him, and We will draw close to him and make a dwelling place within him.

Love and Obey – There’s No Other Way

For context, Jesus is talking with His disciples during the Last Supper. He is offering them comfort and instructions before His crucifixion. The love of Jesus is something to be shown through our actions and obedience to the Scripture. This idea comes from the Old Testament. Specifically, Deuteronomy 6:4-5 talks about loving God with all of our heart, soul, and strength. Obeying Jesus’ teachings found in the Gospel demonstrates faith. This is a key part in our relationship with God. The love of God is extended to those who love and obey Jesus. This shows how reciprocal our relationship with God is. We are united and share the same purpose. The Father and the Son will be together with believers. They will be close and involved in our lives, as we learn about through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit inside us makes a Temple of God and house for God to be with us at all times. 

God’s Love is for All – Not Just Christians

True love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His word. Let’s talk about this deeper because at face value, it can cause some concern. This makes the relationship feel very transactional. It also comes across as “God doesn’t love me because I’m not a Christian.” The truth is that God loves all of his Creations. Humans are created to be a reflection of who God is to the world. When we develop a relationship with Christ, we truly learn who God is. We understand what God’s message and way of life truly entail. We learn that the message of the Gospel is God’s truest love story to his creation. God sent his one and only son to die a sinner’s death and be the sacrificial lamb. All barriers between humanity and God disappear. When we embrace our relationship with Christ, God’s will is done through us. We grow the Kingdom of God. We embody the love and compassion that a godly life is all about.

God’s Relationship is Open For Us

It’s not a transactional relationship. It’s a relationship that’s based on intentionality, commitment, and respect. If we cease to do what God wants, God doesn’t abandon us. God doesn’t leave us alone and gives up on us. God allows us to walk our own path when we choose. God doesn’t force us into a relationship with him – then it’s not a relationship if he did. God gave us free will to explore the world when we want, but the goal is to return to him. The goal is to stay with him, because his path is founded on love, mercy, and comparison. We will realize at some point in our life that we can’t do life without God. We need the instruction manual from the Creator to understand how to live. We were created to follow that way. When we stay obedient to the instruction manual of Christ, we live a holy life. The Spirit within us allows us to truly love God and love people. 

Reflection Questions

1. What teachings from Jesus are difficult for you to follow in everyday life?
2. How has Christ’s sacrifice on the cross affected your Christian journey?
3. Do you feel that any of God’s commands are forced upon you as a Christian?

Call to Action

God’s call to us is to love and obey. Use this verse to see what teachings of Christ you need to follow more tightly. Use your quiet time to consider on your time, talents, and treasures. Decide how these can lead you to live a godlier life. 

Next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #270