John 14:19-21
“Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
For over 20 years, Gary Chapman’s marriage book The Five Love Languages has been a bestseller and has helped countless couples nurture life-long relationships. The book explains that people feel loved in at least one of five ways, and that learning your partner’s preferred “love language” helps you better express love to him or her. For example, some people respond best to acts of service, so their spouse can show love by doing chores around the house or by offering practical help to relieve stress. Others feel most loved when they spend quality time with their partner, and others want most to hear words of affirmation from their spouse. Learning your spouse’s love language can help you love him or her better.
Jesus said that the best way for his followers to show him love is through faithful obedience. We love Jesus by accepting and obeying his teaching. Of course, we also show Jesus love through worship and with words of faith lifted up in prayer. We can even love God by caring for the people He created. Through spiritual devotion, praise and prayer, we express to Jesus how much we love him, but it’s through actions of obedience that we best love our Lord. So, when Jesus tells us to love our neighbors, we go and show people compassion for their own good and also out of love for Jesus. When He calls us to turn the other cheek, we obey for the sake of making peace in the world and also as an offering of love to Jesus. When Jesus sends us out to share the good news, we tell the Savior’s story so others will come to faith and also because we love our Lord enough to do what He asks. The wonderful promise in this passage is that God also loves us so much that Jesus died and rose again to give us new life.
How can you show Jesus your love today? Worship, prayer and words of faith are a great place to start, but don’t neglect acts of obedience. Show your faith and love by putting into practice the things Jesus taught. Love your neighbors and even your enemies. Give to those in need without expecting a reward. Make peace and show mercy to others. Spread the good news of salvation in Jesus’ name. When you do these things, even if no one else notices, Jesus feels your love for him.
Thank You, Jesus, for loving me far more than I deserve. I want to show You love through my devotion, my words and my actions. Give me opportunities to live out Your teaching as I share Your love and message with others. I love You and pray in Your name. Amen.____________________________
Pastor Mike Mirakian
