John 14:21 He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father… I. SOME WHO THINK THEY LOVE JESUS ARE MISTAKEN AS TO THE GENUINENESS AND SINCERITY OF THEIR LOVE TO HIM. There is an emphasis on "He it is," singling Him out as the only real lover. Men may be misled as to the reality of their love. 1. By regarding strong, keen and frequent feelings of sorrow and compassion for Christ as an innocent sufferer, as evidence of true love. Such an emotion is an element in, but is not love. 2. By substituting an intellectual and moral admiration of Christ. But many infidels evince this. 3. By counting sufficient an outward and decorous attention to His laws and institutions. This is sufficient to keep from sins of a gross nature; but at the bottom it may be self-love, a bid for the world's good opinion. II. THEY ONLY WHO HAVE AND KEEP CHRIST'S COMMANDMENTS TRULY LOVE HIM. 1. Having Christ's commandments implies — (1) A recognition of them as of binding authority being enforced by His love. (2) An intelligent appreciation of their meaning and spirit. (3) Treasuring them in the head and heart. 2. Keeping them. We may have without keeping them. Practice and knowledge must keep step. 3. Here is — (1) A test of Christian profession (1 John 2:3-5; 1 John 5:1-3). (2) A ground of comfort to doubting Christians. Their Lord does not insist on warm feelings which are fluctuating, but on obedience. (3) An inducement to obedience. (A. Warrack, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. |
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