(1 Jo) 5:2-3, 18-20 CJB “Here is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God, we also do what he commands. For loving God means obeying his commands. Moreover, his commands are not burdensome, We know that everyone who has God as his Father does not go on sinning; on the contrary, the Son born of God protects him, and the Evil One does not touch him. We know that we are from God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the Evil One. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment, so that we may know who is genuine; moreover, we are united with the One who is genuine, united with his Son Yeshua the Messiah. He is the genuine God and eternal life.”

Loving God means obeying His commands. That is not a suggestion—it is the definition of love according to God Himself.

The apostle John makes this unmistakably clear:

“For loving God means obeying his commands. Moreover, his commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3 CJB)

In a world—and often in a Church—confused about love, God removes all ambiguity. Love is not defined by feelings, tolerance, or cultural approval. Love is defined by obedience to God.

Loving God Means Obeying His Commands, Not Redefining Love

There are seasons in the Church when controversy rises. It is uncomfortable. It is often embarrassing. But it is also necessary.

Why?

Because the world knows Jesus said His followers would be marked by love. Yet both the world and many in the Church misunderstand what love truly is.

Today, many claim love while rejecting obedience. But Scripture is clear—loving God means obeying His commands, not redefining them.

When “love” becomes permission to ignore God’s Word, it is no longer love. It is rebellion dressed in religious language.

Why Controversy in the Church Is Necessary

Controversy feels wrong, but biblically, it is often required.

“We know that everyone who has God as his Father does not go on sinning…” (1 John 5:18)

“We know that we are from God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the Evil One.” (1 John 5:19)

There are always two forces at work:

• Those walking in obedience to God
• Those influenced by the world, even inside the Church

This is why conflict arises.

When people claim to follow Jesus but reject His commands, faithful disciples must respond—not with hatred, but with truth rooted in Scripture.

False Love Versus True Love

Much of today’s confusion centers here.

False love permits what God forbids, celebrates sin rather than confronting it, seeks approval from culture, and redefines righteousness.

True love submits to God’s Word, calls sin what God calls sin, honors God’s design, and obeys everything Jesus commands.

This includes areas like sexual purity, biblical marriage, and holiness in thought and action.

When these are compromised, love is not being expanded—it is being abandoned.

True Discipleship Is Proven by Obedience

Loving God means obeying His commands, and this is the dividing line between true and false discipleship.

“The Son born of God protects him, and the Evil One does not touch him.” (1 John 5:18)

“We know that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment… He is the genuine God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)

The true disciple knows God, is protected by Christ, walks in obedience, and lives differently from the world.

Jesus Himself was opposed by the religious—not because He lacked love, but because He perfectly obeyed God.

So will you.

Men, here’s the truth:

You don’t prove your love for God by what you feel.
You prove your love for God by how you live.

Run Today’s Play:

Identify one command of Jesus you’ve been soft on.
Repent and turn from compromise.
Obey it fully, without excuse.
Stand firm even if others disagree.

Then ask yourself:

Am I defining love by God’s Word or by the world?

Because in the end:

Loving God means obeying His commands.

And that is the life that leads to eternal life in Jesus—the true God and Savior.