In the five New Testament books written by John (the Fourth Gospel, 1, 2, 3 John, and Revelation), the "apostle of love" has much to say about the subject of love. In last week's bulletin article, we examined what John said about God's love for us (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 4:8, 16, etc.). In this article, we will examine what John, the apostle of love, teaches about our love for God.

We Show Our Love for God
By Doing What He Says

John plainly recorded Jesus saying, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (Jn. 14:15). The ideas of love and obedience are inseparably linked in the gospel of Christ. Note again the words of Jesus, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me....23If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings..." (Jn. 14:21-24). Is it any wonder then that Jesus said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (Jn. 15:14)?

The expression "actions speak louder than words" rings true in every aspect of life, but especially is this adage true when it comes to love. Imagine a spouse refusing to do what his or her mate would like the spouse to do that is truly in the best interest of their marriage. Would not love compel a spouse to do everything in his or her power (within Scriptural parameters) to improve the relationship? Two significant differences exist between marriage and Christianity. First, Jesus has all authority (Mt. 28:18). Second, Jesus always commands us to do things that are in our best interest (Jn. 6:63). Would not love compel a Christian to do what his or her Lord requires? How can one truly love the Lord and not do what He says (Lk. 6:46)?

Doing what the Lord says is the only proper reaction that one who truly loves Him can have. Note the force of this statement by John, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous" (1 Jn. 5:3). How can John say the Lord's "commandments are not grievous," when people who have kept them have suffered hardships and even lost their physical lives (Rev. 1:9; 6:9)? The answer is LOVE! "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments" (1 Jn. 5:2). Love makes doing God's will non-burdensome.

Jesus Is Our Supreme Example of Loving God

As the Lord was preparing His disciples for His departure, John recorded Jesus words, "But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do..." (Jn. 14:31). Jesus knew that Satan would influence His death, yet He stayed faithful to the Father. Note again the important connection between love and obedience so supremely exemplified in Jesus: "I love the Father...as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do" ! Later, in the same context of preparing His disciples for life without His physical presence, Jesus said, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love" (Jn. 15:10). Even for Jesus, keeping commandments was the way He showed His love for the Father. Should we expect anything less from us? Jesus, of course, kept the Father's will perfectly, but we often fall short of His glory (Rom. 3:23).

We Must Remain In God's Love

Jesus said, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love" (Jn. 15:9). The word "continue" is from a Greek word (meno, ) that means to abide in, or remain. In many ways, it is a key word in John 15, occurring eleven times, translated "abide" (15:4-7, 10), "continue" (Jn. 15:9), and "remain" (Jn. 15:11, 16). The command to "continue" in Jesus'love implies that it is possible to discontinue in His love. Sometimes, we, like Peter, need to be reminded of Jesus'love for us and our love for Him.

After His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter, who days earlier denied knowing the Lord, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?" (Jn. 21:15a). Jesus here used the verb form of the Greek noun agape (). Peter responded, "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee" (Jn. 21:15b). Peter here used a form of the Greek word phileo (). Jesus asked a second time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" (Jn. 21:16a). Peter again responded, "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee" (Jn. 21:16b). Both Jesus and Peter used the same words for "love" that they did in verse 15. Peter's use of phileo was not on the same page as Jesus'use of agape. Jesus asked the third time, this time using Peter's word for "love," phileo, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest [phileo] thou me?" (Jn. 15:17a). Peter, somewhat "grieved" because Jesus asked him a third time, responded, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love [phileo] thee" (Jn. 21:17b). Much discussion exists as to why different words for "love" are used. Perhaps in light of his actions in denying the Lord (Jn. 18:25-27), Peter was humbled because of his earlier boast of loyalty above "all men" (Mt. 26:33; Mk. 14:29), and realized his weakness. As mentioned in last week's article, the two words used for "love" are very similar in meaning. The main difference is that phile is more instinctive and affectionate, like family love, whereas agape contains an element of intellect and volition, always seeking the highest good in its object. Whatever the case, Peter was reminded by the Lord of how much he loved Him.

We must love God. Do we? Are we "keeping his commandments" (Jn. 14:15)? Are we following the example of Jesus, who kept His Father's commandments (Jn. 14:31)? How much do we love Jesus? What do our actions show? Let's obey Him today!