The Girl Next Door ☎︎: First Comes Love

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments" Jesus tells us in John 14:15. So, is loving Jesus all about following His rules? Is love just about obedience? Sounds a bit intimidating to me.

Obedience before love is a noisy gong

When we make obedience our number one goal, we don't end up loving. Instead, we end up feeling burned out and useless.

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul tells us that, without love, any good thing we say or do sounds like a noisy gong to the Lord, and He considers it nothing.

This reminds me of John 15. In this passage, John says that, without the Lord, we can do nothing. Without love, we can't do anything. God is love, so without God, we can't do anything.

That being said, we do love God by doing His commands, but that's only if we love God. Love is the prerequisite for service. God's love for us fuels our love for him (1 John 4:19); our love for Him fuels our service to Him.

When we abide in God's love, we are able to serve Him. And when we serve Him, we abide in His love.

If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3

Love before obedience is joy to the full

It's easy to wake up and feel the weight of all you have to do. And part of that to-do list might include your quiet time, small group, or prayer meeting with a friend.

But before you let your mind jump to all the ways you need to serve God, make sure your heart is happy in the Lord.

Each morning, refresh your mind in His love. Reflect on His goodness. Find joy in His beauty. Stand in awe of His character. Once you fill yourself up with His love, you have already done the most important thing on your "to-do" list. Your day is already a success!

If you take away everything on your calendar and are left with "abiding in God's love", that is enough for a joy filled life.

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love...These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 1 John 15:10

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Today's task, "serve the Lord," sounds a lot less intimidating once we have already completed "be happy in the Lord."

We cannot do any good for the kingdom if we do not first delight our hearts in the Lord. Cherishing Jesus above all else is the foundation we must build our lives upon. Serving Him is proof we are loving Him. If we treasure Him, we will please Him.