“If ye love Me, keep My commandments”. – John 14:15
Here is the Christian’s grand RULE of action, the commandments of his dear Saviour. Jesus commands us because He loves us; because He desires our present welfare; because He will prove the sincerity of our profession; and because He approves of the obedience of faith.
He commands us to imitate Himself; He is our great pattern and example; and we should endeavour to imitate Him in His Spirit, and design, and actions. He commands us to believe Him, profess Him, obey Him, and continue in His love. Here we have the Christian’s grand MOTIVE and spring of action–LOVE. Spiritual love is always loyal to the King of Zion; jealous for the glory of the Lord of Hosts; and determined in the cause of the Prince of peace. The obedience of love is easy–hearty–and thorough.
Love is the strongest incentive to obedience; it conquers fear–furnishes with zeal–equips with courage–devises the means–surmounts difficulties–and triumphs over opposition. Let us inquire from what does our obedience spring? By what is it regulated? Is our motive and rule, holy love?
Love is the fountain whence
All true obedience flows;
The Christian serves the God he loves,
And loves the God he knows :
May love o’er every power preside,
And every thought and action guide.– James Smith
