What is the meaning of 1 John 5:3? For this is the love of God John begins by defining love on God’s terms, not ours. Love toward God is concrete and measurable, not a vague feeling. It shows itself in action. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Throughout Scripture, love is consistently tied to obedience—see Deuteronomy 6:4-5 followed by 6:6-9, and 1 John 2:5 where “whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God has been perfected.” Genuine love for God never stops at sentiment; it moves the heart, mind, and will to align with Him. that we keep His commandments “Keep” is the language of watchful guarding and faithful practice. In daily life this means: • Prioritizing God’s Word—letting passages like Psalm 119:11 shape decisions. • Submitting every area (thoughts, relationships, finances, speech) to clear directives such as Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 3:17. • Persisting—even when culture pushes back (Acts 5:29). Keeping commands is not optional for believers; it is the normal expression of the new birth (1 John 5:1-2). Far from legalism, it is life in fellowship with Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Father (John 15:10) and now empowers us by His Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). And His commandments are not burdensome The same God who issues commands supplies grace to fulfill them. Jesus invites, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Why are they “not burdensome”? • We have a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27) that desires righteousness. • Obedience flows from love, and love delights in pleasing the beloved (Psalm 40:8). • The Spirit enables what human strength cannot (Philippians 2:13). • The commands lead to freedom, not restriction (James 1:25). Any heaviness comes from fleshly resistance, not from the commands themselves. When we walk in step with God, obedience is the path of joy and rest. summary 1 John 5:3 teaches that real love for God is demonstrated by ongoing, willing obedience to His Word, and such obedience is a joy rather than a weight because God’s Spirit and promises make it so. |
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