1 John 5v3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Living in obedience is trusting that our God knows best. His commandments are His way of showing us true life, and ultimately His unwavering love. Our faith in Christ is always the answer to any problem or struggle. “For whatever is born of God (being those who put faith in Christ) overcomes the world.

Obedience is the strategy to righteousness, to bring glory to the God that overcame it all.

1 John 4v12 For though we have never yet seen God, when we love each other God lives in us, and His love in us grows ever stronger.

When you think about it can you ever explain to a point what “love” is? It never seems to be the same to every person. The word love encompasses so many different things; sacrifice, joy, nurture, and selflessness are just a few that come to mind. It’s hard to explain love because it is the very nature of the unfathomable God that we serve. When we love He is present in us. We can feel it. Something deep in our spirit that just seems to be complete when we love one another. This is an intimate connection with God that we can all tap into at anytime just by showing others what He has shown us, especially through Christ.

Let love be our only reaction.

Romans 8v38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 118 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.

The God and creator of the universe is our strength. What can’t we do in Him?

Acts 5v38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.“

Peter and the apostles are on trial in this moment of Acts for teaching in the name of Jesus Christ while verse 39 is said to the courts by a well respected Pharisee. It’s an amazing testament to truth. If what we desire and fight for is of human origin it will fail. But if it is of God it cannot be stopped.

Romans 5v2 And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

One of my favorite passages in the bible. Our suffering makes us stronger, that strength make us who we are, and who we are shines the light of hope in Christ to the world.

2 Timothy 2v15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

This is how we set ourselves apart and draw attention to the hope we find in Christ. Making ourselves not of this world and by doing righteousness in all aspects of our lives. Not only in obedience to our Father but also to bring fame and glory to Christ.

v19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”