Day 7
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love." 2 John 1:6
Love is not merely an emotion, but requires actions based on truth. Here, the exact Greek word is agape, translated as "love," specifically meaning a selfless focus on other people. John's use of it here certainly includes emotional aspects but is much more specific than most modern definitions of love. The primary example of this kind of love is Jesus, who showed it through His life and actions. It includes loving one another as well as walking in obedience to God's truth. John repeats that loving one another is not optional; it is a command. Because it is a fundamental command connected to Jesus Himself, believers are to "walk in it" or obey it. Obedience is fundamentally connected to love - love of God and love of others.
Ponder:
Prayer:
Love is not merely an emotion, but requires actions based on truth. Here, the exact Greek word is agape, translated as "love," specifically meaning a selfless focus on other people. John's use of it here certainly includes emotional aspects but is much more specific than most modern definitions of love. The primary example of this kind of love is Jesus, who showed it through His life and actions. It includes loving one another as well as walking in obedience to God's truth. John repeats that loving one another is not optional; it is a command. Because it is a fundamental command connected to Jesus Himself, believers are to "walk in it" or obey it. Obedience is fundamentally connected to love - love of God and love of others.
Ponder:
How does this passage illuminate the connection between love and obedience for you?
Does it challenge your idea of obedience? If so, consider praying to God about it and asking Him to show you how obedience leads to love and love leads to obedience.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You loved me before I even knew You. You love me even when I stumble. Jesus, You showed love to those who never loved You back. Lord, help me to love like You do. Help me to obey Your word because I love you. Open my eyes to what it means to walk in love as I go about my day. Let everything I do, my work, relaxation, family time, alone time, when I'm busy and when I'm at rest, be centred on obedience to Your commands. Let my life be a love letter to You, as Your word is to me. Thank You Jesus, for making the abundant love of the Father available to anyone who calls You Lord, and for modelling what this looks like. Conform me to Your image more and more each day.
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.