Obedience is tied to love

Immanuel, you have made it possible for me to know your incredible love - the same love you have for your Father and he for you. Help me to obey you so that I may experience the depth of your love as I learn to sink my roots in you. John 15:9-12 (Praying the Names of Jesus Journal by Ann Spangler).

Obedience is tied to love. We live in a world of few rules and open disobedience and rebellion. Jesus said that if we love Him we will obey His commands. The more we learn to obey the more we love and trust in Christ. Obedience is always a decision of our will and fortitude. Don't base obedience on a feeling but on the power of the word of God. Learn to obey out of love, not out of religion. Jesus obeyed out of His personal relationship with his Father (God). Jesus had complete trust in what the Father required of Him so obedience was a matter of a heartful trust based on a love and trusting relationship with his father. Our obedience should be based on that same love and trust relationship with our heavenly Father. Learn to develop a trustful relationship with God and allow His commands to be obeyed through you based on your trusting relationship with Him.