The Joy of Obedience: How Love for God Makes His Commandments a Delight

How does our love for God enable us to keep His commandments? Is it possible for obedience to God's commands to be a burden? These are important questions that we will explore in this article as we dive into 1 John 5:3-4.

In this passage, the apostle John writes, "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith."

At first glance, it might seem contradictory to say that love for God is expressed through obedience to His commandments, but at the same time, claim that His commandments are not burdensome. How can this be?

To understand this paradox, we need to examine the relationship between love, faith, and obedience. John tells us that those who are born of God overcome the world. This new birth is a transformative experience that gives rise to faith. It is through faith that we are able to embrace all that God is for us in Christ, finding supreme satisfaction in Him.

Jonathan Edwards, an 18th-century pastor and theologian, wrestled with this text and concluded that saving faith implies love. He wrote, "Our love to God enables us to overcome the difficulties that attend keeping God's commands - which shows that love is the main thing in saving faith, the life and power of it, by which it produces great effects."

In other words, true faith is not just assenting to the truths about God, but also embracing all that He is for us in Christ. It is a love for God that treasures Him above all else, making obedience to His commandments more desirable than the temptations of the world.

So, how does our love for God enable us to keep His commandments without feeling burdened? It is because this love is a result of the new birth and the faith that it produces. When we are born again, our perspective changes. We see the world and its temptations in light of God's glory and goodness. We realize that obedience to His commandments is not a burden, but a joy and a privilege.

Imagine a child who loves and trusts their parent. They willingly obey their parent's instructions because they know that their parent loves them and has their best interests at heart. The same principle applies to our relationship with God. When we love God and trust in His goodness, we find joy in obeying His commands because we know that He loves us and desires what is best for us.

But how do we develop this love for God? It starts with believing that Jesus is the Son of God. John says, "And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith." Our faith in Christ is what enables us to overcome the obstacles of the world that keep us from obeying God's commandments. Believing that Jesus is the Son of God means embracing the significance of that truth, finding satisfaction in all that God is for us in Him.

When we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we are placing our trust in Him as the greatest person in the universe. We know that all He taught is true, all He promised will stand firm, and all His soul-satisfying greatness will never change. This belief includes banking on all that He is and finding satisfaction in Him.

So, how can we cultivate this kind of faith and love for God? The Bible gives us several ways:

1. Study the Scriptures: The more we know about God and His character, the more we will grow in love for Him. As we read and meditate on His Word, we discover His love, grace, and faithfulness, which deepens our affection for Him.

2. Prayer: Communication with God is vital for developing a relationship with Him. Through prayer, we express our love, gratitude, and dependence on Him. It is in the presence of God that our love for Him is nurtured and strengthened.

3. Fellowship with other believers: Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who also love God can encourage and inspire us in our own journey of faith. Together, we can spur one another on to love and good deeds.

4. Worship: Engaging in corporate worship and personal worship helps us focus our hearts and minds on God. It is in worship that we express our love for Him through song, prayer, and praise.

5. Obeying His commandments: As we actively seek to obey God's commands, we demonstrate our love for Him. Obedience is not a burden when we truly understand and embrace the love and goodness of God.

In conclusion, our love for God enables us to keep His commandments without feeling burdened because it is a result of the new birth and the faith that it produces. When we believe that Jesus is the Son of God and embrace all that God is for us in Him, obedience becomes a joy and a privilege. As we cultivate our love for God through studying His Word, prayer, fellowship, worship, and obedience, we will find that His commandments are not burdensome but a pathway to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.