John 14:21 “Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands. Whoever passionately loves me will be passionately loved by my Father. And I will passionately love you in return and will manifest my life within you.”
There is no difference at all between loving Jesus and obeying Him. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, obey my commandments.”, and Jesus said in verse 23, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.” Anyone can say that they love God, but it’s different to actually love Him by obedience. In fact, love in its purest form is obedience.
Obedience to God is a part of Christianity that is no longer emphasized today in many modern Churches. In fact, how many times in prayer do we see Believer’s come to God with a huge list of wants, needs and desires, but never actually take the time to ask God what He would like from them? Many cringe to even think about what God would possibly ask of them, and few show any true concern for what God wants, and for His Kingdom.
But Jesus told us in Matthew 6 that if we “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” that “All these things [that the heathen seek] will be added unto us!” An unfortunate, missing element in many Believer’s life is they are not truly living in fellowship with the Father, and seeking His will and plan for their life. God is a person, and you were made to have fellowship with Him, not to live your life for yourself. God desires a relationship, and fellowship with you. Imagine a person who only came to their spouse when they wanted or needed something, or with a huge list of things they needed? That relationship would be a broken one. Your prayers will go to the throne, when you are at the throne. Hebrews says we can go boldly to that throne, let’s make it a point to ask God what His wants are, let’s spend time in His Presence in Worship and adoration. God wants our fellowship!
John 8:29 “And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”
John 14:14-15 “Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! If you love me, obey my commandments.”
1 John 2:3 “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.”