"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) That scripture is a shocking revelation of divine need. Each time I read that scripture I shudder at the fact that Jesus Himself required us to show proof of our love for Him. As omniscient God, should He need proof? Can't He just look into our hearts and know those that love Him? Do we need to do anything for Him to prove that we love Him? Moreover is it not obvious that we mortals are incapable of love? All these questions beset my minds whenever I encounter that divine injunction...and that is what we are going to discuss today: "IF YOU LOVE ME".
When someone uses "if" in a statement, it means the outcome is a probability based on a condition. Jesus does not just want us to "say" that we love Him, He wants us to "act" that we love Him. The reason Jesus asked for an action proof of our love is because love is only known through action. Love is not known by words or intention. If you want to know if love exists check the action. For God so loved the world that He gave which means He did something to show His love. It is not for God so loved the world that He said ! Love is known by action.
Now, since love is known by action, how do we show our love for God? Many people have argued that the greatest way to show love is by giving. I have even heard the saying that you can never love without giving. Sometimes this philosophy is based on the scripture in John 3:16 which said "For God so loved the world that He gave..."
But as I study the scripture, I realise that giving is not the proof God asked from us if we say we love Him. If you like give 10 million naira in the church God doesn't see it as proof that you love Him. If you like become an usher, chorister; dedicate your life to feeding the poor or sell everything you have and give the proceedings to a church or a missionary organisation... while all these things are good and godly; but as far as God is concerned, they do not qualify as proof that we love Him. The only proof He accepts is obedience.. to His commandments or simply put: doing His word and His will.
This week make it a week to prove your love for God by committing yourself to doing His commandments. If you love God, show Him; prove it to Him; obey Him!
God bless you