“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” John 15:10
June 1, 2023
It has become a habit of some Christians to offer thanksgiving for God’s unconditional love. But such an unqualified assertion has to be consistent with what the Scriptures teach. One of the features of God’s love is that there are times when it is stated that His love toward believers is conditional (e.g. “abide in my love,” “keep yourselves in the love of God,” Jude 1:21). However, this is not to be taken to mean that Christ may pull His love out on us, and leave us unloved. The truth of the matter is that like any parent when our children are disobedient, the expression of our love changes. For example, a curfew violation (“be home at 11:00 p.m.) will bring some unpleasant restrictive sanctions. To be grounded doesn’t mean that we don’t love them anymore. Taking them out for a meal will feel more like they are remaining in our love than when some righteous anger is necessary. If we love the Lord, we will keep His commandments. Disobedience brings His disfavor. Obedience means remaining in His loving favor.
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“Lord Jesus, keep my affections set on you. I cannot see you now except by the eye of faith. May my vision be ever clear as the light of your love breaks over my thoughts and decisions.”