Sermon: 12/28/25- Thursday's Devotional

Obedience as Love's Language
Reading: John 14:15-24; 1 John 5:1-5

Jesus was "obedient to death—even death on a cross." Obedience wasn't about rule-following for Jesus; it was about love. He obeyed the Father because of their relationship, not to earn approval. The same principle applies to us. When we obey God's commands—loving Him fully and loving our neighbor—we're not checking boxes or earning salvation. We're responding to the incredible love we've already received. This distinction matters profoundly. Duty-driven obedience breeds resentment and burnout. Love-driven obedience flows from gratitude and joy. Consider the greatest commandments: love God, love others. These aren't burdens when we remember how much we've been loved and forgiven. Our obedience becomes the natural overflow of transformed hearts.

Reflection Question: Are you obeying God out of obligation or out of love for who He is and what He's done?