Keeping His commandments

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. - 1 John 5v2-3

Here we find another test of true love for the brethren. We prove our love for each other when we love God and keep His commandments. True love for God is proven by keeping His commandments, and these are not burdensome.

What connection do love and commandments have? They sound like they would exclude each other instead of complimenting each other.

But think about it this way. How hard is it to do what someone wants if we truly love them? When we truly love doing what to object of our love desires comes naturally. There is no burden in doing those things. Love, not fear, is our motivation.

This love for God, as proven by keeping His commandments, is part of loving the brethren. Now how does that make any sense? What does our obeying God have to do with loving the brethren?

A lot of our Christian life has to do with our testimony before others. Obeying God is not just for us, it is just as much for those around. If we set a pattern of ignoring God’s wishes for us, then others will watch and get the impression that serving and obeying God is not that big a deal.

For testimonies sake we set an example of following God that others can see and emulate. This is love because it helps other to show their own love for God.

Obeying God is not just about us, it is a mark of love for each other.