“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:9-17 NLT
Jesus loves you. No doubt you have heard this before, so whether or not you believe it, the assertion is familiar and, redundant though it may seem, we all need reminders of His love as well as reminders of the value of obedience. John 15 prompts us to remain in His love—wait! What? God is love. Why do we need to stay in His love if He loves us with an everlasting love? (Jeremiah 31:3 ESV) Yes, the Father is love and He will never—never—cease loving us. And, as His children, we must walk in His love, following the example of Christ. He tells us how: obedient hearts, like Jesus. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8 ESV).
The emphasis on love and obedience is not because our God is an emotionally needy dictator or control freak, frustrated by our imperfections. Rather, He asks for our obedience because He perfectly understands what will bring us lasting joy, protection, and peace. Mama, this is a truth that we must teach our children. Authority, such as the God-given authority entrusted to parents, is a protective covering, like an umbrella. Walking in obedience is one way to remain under His loving protection for our own well-being. In addition, our obedience helps shield those around us from damaging attitudes and actions. When we are obedient because we genuinely desire to please our Father, knowing that He knows best, we reflect the love of Christ and love one another as we are called to do! Remember, He chose you; He chose your children, so let us love one another as we strive for obedience together!
Love,
Bek Measmer and the Help Club for Moms Team
Having lived in Colorado Springs most of her life, Bek enjoys hiking, camping, snowboarding, and other outdoor adventures with her family. When she is not busy homeschooling her four children, you might find Bek absorbed in a book or creating something lovely with her hands.
Bek is learning to continually practice the presence of God as He refines her for His perfect purposes. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
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