Myosotis Posey

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

These words from Jesus often felt strange to my rebellious heart. Love felt so free, while commandments felt restrictive. But recently, my heart and mind found peace in this verse while studying Ecclesiastes.

King Solomon’s Search for Meaning

King Solomon, with all his wealth and wisdom, declared life meaningless (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Yet, he found a purpose: “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13b). This sparked a question: what exactly are God’s commandments?

Love: The Core Revealed

My search for answers led me to the Old and New Testaments. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus beautifully summarized the commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… Love your neighbor as yourself.” Everything – the law and the prophets – boiled down to these two principles of love!

A New Light on John 14:15

Suddenly, Jesus’ words in John 14:15 made perfect sense. Loving God naturally leads to keeping His commandments, because His ultimate desire is for us to love Him and each other.

Living a Life of Love

Reflecting on Solomon’s words again, I see our purpose clearly: to fear God (with reverence and awe), to love Him completely, and to extend that love to others. This simple framework offers peace and allows me to easily refocus when life gets overwhelming.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for revealing the love that lies at the heart of Your commandments. Help us to dwell in Your presence daily, seeking reminders of who You are and Your commandments. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit to truly fear You, love You wholeheartedly, and extend that love abundantly to others. We are grateful for Your love that comes first and empowers us to follow Your ways. Amen.