The most astonishing definition about love is recorded by the beloved apostle, John as obedience is love. The supreme expression of the Creator’s love extended great warning about the possible act of disobedience that would cause death, “But the Lord God warned him, ‘You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.’” (Gen 2:16-17). Unsatisfied by the greatest love of God, the first family got seduced to disobey by a winning argument of enjoying ultimate knowledge that is the privilege of the Creator alone. Saddened by the denial of His love, the gates of heavens were shut for centuries; yet, He did not give up on mankind, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). It was more than impossible for Christ to exhibit His Father’s love unto the world and to perfectly obey unto death, “he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). Thrice He cried and wept unto heaven, being unable to bear the burden of the sin of the entire mankind; but did not hesitate to complete the task that was set on His shoulder, “having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them unto the end” (Jn 13:1). Let’s comprehend this mystery of love that demands obedience as an essential condition, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (Jn 15: 10). Let’s love God by imitating Christ’s new definition of obedience as love. 

Abba, thank you for sending your Son to demonstrate the demanded love. Let your Spirit help us express obedience as love, in Jesus’ loving name, Amen.