“If You Really Do Love Me …”

Bill Brinkworth

Sometimes, when a Christian’s lifestyle, actions, or thinking is questioned, their defense is often, “I know I’m not living the way I should, but I still love Jesus.”  They may very well have justified their behavior that way, but what does the Bible say about living a different way than God commands in the Bible?  Is it possible to still love God, and do whatever you want?  Here is some of what the Word of God says about that way of living:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” I John 5:3
“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John
14:23  Also: Ex. 20:6, Deut. 5:10, John 14:21

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:15,16

“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Luke 10:27 
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” I John 4:20  Also: I John 4:21, I Peter 1:22

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Rom. 12:9   Also: Ps. 119:128

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” John 21:15  Also: John 21:16,17

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13  Also: Hebrews 11.

There are many that call themselves Christians, but the way they live and think are contrary to what the Bible identifies as love for the Lord.  The following Scriptures, and many more, identify what their “love for the Lord” really may be:

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Mat. 24:12

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Mat. 6:5

“And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,” Mat. 23:6
“And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,” Mark 12:38

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Mat. 6:24  Also: Luke 16:13

The Bibles says one cannot “love Jesus” and do whatever he wants. Although many throw the words “I love God” around without real meaning or understanding, God is not fooled.  He is the discerner and true judge of one’s heart. Love is usually followed by actions, and always followed by a change in emotions and beliefs. With the above Scriptures in mind, do you really love the Lord?

“Self-love seeks to use God.  True love for Him seeks to please God!”

This lesson was fetured in The Bible View #396.

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