How can we demonstrate love for Jesus according to John 14:23? Key verse John 14:23: “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’” Love expressed through obedience • Love for Jesus is not merely an emotion; it is proven genuine by “keep[ing] My word.” • “Keep” (Greek tereo) means to guard, treasure, and put into practice—ongoing, attentive obedience. • Obedience demonstrates that Jesus’ teaching is the supreme authority over our motives, decisions, and habits. How to “keep” His word in daily life 1. Consistent Scripture intake • Read, study, and memorize His commands (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:11). 2. Immediate, wholehearted obedience • Act on what you already know (James 1:22; Matthew 7:24). 3. Guard the heart • Reject attitudes or influences that contradict Christ’s teaching (Proverbs 4:23; 2 Corinthians 10:5). 4. Depend on the Spirit • The Helper enables obedience (John 14:16–17; Galatians 5:16). 5. Practice sacrificial love toward others • Jesus’ “new commandment” to love one another (John 13:34; 1 John 3:18) is a tangible way to keep His word. 6. Stay in close fellowship with believers • Mutual encouragement strengthens faithfulness (Hebrews 10:24–25). Scriptural echoes reinforcing John 14:23 • John 14:21 — “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” • John 15:10 — “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.” • 1 John 2:5 — “Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.” • 1 John 3:24 — “The one who keeps His commandments remains in Him, and He in him.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 — “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Promises attached to obedient love • The Father’s love experienced in a personal way (“My Father will love him”). • Continual, intimate fellowship with the Triune God (“We will come to him and make Our home with him”). • Deep assurance and joy that flow from walking in step with Jesus (John 15:11). Take-home reflections • Genuine love for Jesus always results in concrete obedience. • The more diligently we guard and practice His word, the more richly we enjoy His presence and the Father’s love. • Every act of faithful obedience today is a fresh declaration: “Jesus, I love You.” |
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