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 6)
I used to live in Eastern Europe where it is common to offer lengthy greetings and ask about family members when you meet an acquaintance on the street. One day on my way to the market, I ran into Jackie and Anthony. We stopped and exchanged the customary pleasantries. Jackie grinned as she asked about my family, “How is your husband? How are the children? Are they obeying?” This question is a charming way to communicate to a friend the hope that their family is treating them well. In that language, the same word is used for both listening and obeying. In that culture, love and obedience are linked. I reassured Jackie that my family was indeed loving me well. “They are obeying,” I said with a smile.
John also connected love with listening and obeying. We have been told to love. We have not loved Jesus well until we have acted on his command in our relationships with others. Both our talk and our walk must reflect love.
Imagine someone bumping into Jesus on the street and asking about his family. What if they wanted to find out how well you and I were loving the Lord? Would they ask him, “Are they obeying?” I wonder how Jesus would answer. Is our love for the Lord showing itself in obedience to what we are hearing from him?
Identify steps you will take to obey what you’ve heard from God.
Nikki Nettleton is the director of learning and leadership for Global Partners. She draws from fifteen years of experience in Eastern Europe.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
