God loves Our Obedience

A few years ago, it seemed like everyone was talking about the book "The 5 Love Languages," written by Dr. Gary Chapman. This book became popular because it explores the idea that people show and receive love differently, categorizing these into five unique love languages. These languages include Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. The thought is that each person has a unique love language that resonates with them, influencing how they perceive affection and emotional support in relationships. The premise behind love languages is that understanding one's own love language, as well as that of one's partner, can significantly enhance communication and connection within a relationship. My husband and I decided to read the book and take the test together to determine what we believed our top love language to be. After finishing the test, we found that I feel most loved when he does acts of service for me, like assisting with household tasks or cooking. On the other hand, my husband shared that he feels most loved through physical touch from me. It was not only interesting to learn this about ourselves, but it also provided me with a clear way to express love to my husband in a way he appreciates.

Just as each of us has specific preferences for how we like to be loved, God also has certain ways He appreciates being shown love. We express our love for Him through our actions, adherence to His commandments, and our overall attitude toward His will for our lives. One way God feels loved is through our obedience to Him. I once thought that I needed to follow God's commandments for Him to love me. Now I understand that He will love me no matter what, but I can show my love for God through obedience to Him and His commandments. This is such a beautiful display of love and makes me want to actively pursue his commandments and calling all the more.

At its core, obedience to God means surrendering our will to His. It involves listening to His guidance, embracing His word, and acting upon His calls. But why should we obey? What makes obedience a fitting expression of our love for God? When God gives us commandments, He isn’t attempting to control us; rather, He invites us to engage in the narrative of His creation. Every commandment reflects His love and desire for our well-being. In this light, obedience becomes a recognition of God’s sovereignty and an acknowledgment of His perfect plan for our lives. Matthew 4:20 & 22 illustrate steadfast obedience perfectly.

Matthew 4:20 states, "Immediately they left their nets and followed him." Here, we see Simon Peter, and Andrew making an immediate decision to follow Jesus. This response highlights their preparedness to answer the calling placed upon them. But what does this immediate response reveal about their love for God? It demonstrates a deep trust and a recognition that whatever Jesus offers is more valuable than their existing circumstances. Their nets, representing their livelihood and identity, were left behind effortlessly. They chose to obey without contemplating risks or potential outcomes. I find it difficult to sacrifice basic comfort for obedience, yet these men willingly dedicated their entire lives to following Jesus without hesitation.

Similarly, Matthew 4:22 records that James and John "Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." Like Peter and Andrew, James and John responded urgently to Jesus’ call. Their obedience adds another layer of complexity—are we prepared to abandon not just our possessions but even our relationships or responsibilities to follow Christ? The phrase "immediately left" reveals their willingness to prioritize Jesus' call above earthly ties, even their father. Their obedience showcases a profound love that recognizes Jesus as the ultimate source of purpose and fulfillment. This insight encourages us to reflect on our lives—are we holding onto things too tightly? Are our attachments hindering our obedience?

As we grow in our understanding of obedience, it's important to include love in the conversation. When we act from love for God, obedience transforms into a joyful response rather than mere obligation. Jesus affirms this relationship in John 14:15 when He states, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." This impactful statement captures the connection between love and obedience. He doesn’t say, "You must obey me to earn my love," but instead, "Obey as an expression of your love for me." As a result, obedience flows from our love for God. It becomes a heartfelt response to divine grace, recognizing His enduring and unyielding love for us.

While the immediate obedience of the disciples serves as a model, we must confront the barriers we face in mirroring that behavior. Common obstacles include fear, doubt, and the appeal of comfort. Fear can often hinder our obedience. This fear can take the form of fear of failure, fear of the unknown, or fear of leaving behind comfort zones. Just as the disciples overcame their fears to follow Jesus, we too must face fears that prevent our immediate response to God's calling. Doubt is another barrier we encounter. It can cloud our judgment, causing us to question God’s plan and our capability to fulfill His commands. The comfort of familiar situations can also create resistance to immediate obedience. We often cling to what is known, even if it isn’t what is best for us. Like the first disciples, who had to leave their jobs and families behind, we must be willing to sacrifice comforts for the sake of following Christ.

When we commit to obeying God from a place of love, we begin to taste the sweetness of obedience. It is not about earning favor or proving our worth; it is a natural outpouring of our affection for our Creator. Exploring the meaning of obedience found in Matthew 4:20 and 22 reveals that obedience is a powerful expression of our love for God. Just as the disciples responded immediately to Jesus’ call, we too are invited to follow Him with urgency and trust. As we navigate our path toward obedience, we can release the burdens of fear, doubt, and complacency. We recognize that our acts of obedience are reflections of our love for God—sweet and enriching experiences that bring us closer to Him. Consider how you can respond to God’s call in your life. Explore the beauty of immediate obedience and witness how it transforms your relationship with Him, leading you to a richer understanding of His love and your purpose.