1 John 5:1-5
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Verse 3 claims that "his [God's] commandments are not burdensome". I confess to sometimes feeling like they are burdensome, for the command to purity can seem like a difficult hurdle. So why does John say they are not burdensome? I think the key is earlier in verse 3 where John says that "this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments". Notice that it is not the "command of God" but the "love of God" that motivates us to keep his commandments. If we just do it because "we are supposed to", then it will be burdensome. But if we do it because we love God, then it will becomes a desire rather than a burden. It reminds me of how easy it seems for newlyweds in love to make sacrifices for each other. The actions (keeping the commandments) may be the same, but a difference in motivation and perspective can completely change our attitude.
God, I love you, and want to do Your will.
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Verse 3 claims that "his [God's] commandments are not burdensome". I confess to sometimes feeling like they are burdensome, for the command to purity can seem like a difficult hurdle. So why does John say they are not burdensome? I think the key is earlier in verse 3 where John says that "this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments". Notice that it is not the "command of God" but the "love of God" that motivates us to keep his commandments. If we just do it because "we are supposed to", then it will be burdensome. But if we do it because we love God, then it will becomes a desire rather than a burden. It reminds me of how easy it seems for newlyweds in love to make sacrifices for each other. The actions (keeping the commandments) may be the same, but a difference in motivation and perspective can completely change our attitude.
God, I love you, and want to do Your will.