How does 1 John 5:3 connect with Jesus' teachings in John 14:15? Setting the Two Passages Side by Side • 1 John 5:3 – “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Love That Acts, Not Just Feels • Both writers tie genuine love to concrete obedience. • John echoes Jesus: love is proven, not merely professed. • 2 John 1:6 adds the same refrain: “And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments.” One Author, One Message • John records Jesus’ words in the Gospel, then reaffirms them in his letter. • The unity of Scripture shines: from the Upper Room (John 14) to the pastoral epistle (1 John 5), the standard has not shifted. Commandments That Bless, Not Burden • Jesus: “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). • John: “His commandments are not burdensome.” • Deuteronomy 30:11–14 foretold this gracious reality; God never commands what He does not also enable. Empowered by the Spirit • John 14:16 – “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate...” • The Spirit indwells believers, making obedience joyful, not onerous. • Galatians 5:22-23: the fruit of the Spirit naturally fulfills the law of love. Obedience Deepens Fellowship • John 15:10: keeping Christ’s commandments keeps us in His love. • 1 John 2:5: “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.” • Obedience does not earn salvation; it evidences relationship and nourishes intimacy. Practical Steps for Living It Out • Abide daily in the Word so you recognize His commands. • Lean on the Spirit, not self-effort, for strength to obey. • Remember every directive flows from divine love and aims at your good. Summary Snapshot • Jesus in John 14:15 states the principle. • John in 1 John 5:3 restates and expands it, assuring us that the same love‐grounded obedience remains both expected and possible. |
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