From LOVE is born OBEDIENCE

"But the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me (John 14:31)."

From love is born obedience. Trust, the soil of growing relationship, nurtures the seed of promise until obedience springs forth.

Obedience is difficult, especially in the small things. I'm learning that my obedience to Holy Spirit, even in the small matters, MATTERS! Why? Obedience to Holy Spirit is the litmus test of love. So often we think we're living in love toward others and ourselves only to find out we've redefined love by our standards. For the Christian, true love is obedience to the one we trust - God. GOD IS THE ONLY ONE WHO GETS TO DEFINE LOVE AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IN OUR LIFE.

Our love for God grows as we spend time with Him, making space for our spirit to commune with Holy Spirit. From this communion (John 14:20), love flourishes. Where love flourishes obedience grows. Let me break this down - 

As Christians, FEAR is what gets in the way of our obedience. Holy Spirit nudges us to do something and we resist from fear. But, "there is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear (1 Jn. 4:18)." As we fall more in love with Holy Spirit (God), fear loses its foothold in our hearts, and obedience becomes possible. Only the love of God can sustain us while we wait for the impossible to bow its knee at the name of Jesus.

Truth is, I'm still full of a lot of fear. But I continue to put MY HOPE IN HIS LOVE.  As I learn to remain in the love of God through Holy Spirit, fear is losing the battle over my heart. The best part is I don't have to focus on anything but nurturing my relationship with Holy Spirit. He overpowers the spirits of fear, sets me free and fills me with boldness, confidence and courage. That's my hope and my growing experience. Like Jesus says, the normal Christian life is "light and easy (Matt. 11:30)."