Mentoring Manna:  Who loves Jesus?

© 2003 Pastor Keith Hassell

MM00083

John 14:21, 23 (NKJV) “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.  And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him…If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with Him.”

            Many claim to be Christians. Many say they love Jesus.  However, few live what they profess. I have heard people say, “I know that what I am doing is wrong, but don’t worry---I still love Jesus.  He is still in my heart.” This is nothing new.  Many have claimed to be lovers of God throughout history but did not live according to God’s word.  What did Jesus have to say about this contradiction between profession and obedience?

            Only those who keep His commandments can truthfully say that they love Him. There is a direct correlation between loving Jesus and keeping His word. Imagine the disbelief and utter betrayal a wife or husband feels who hears a spouse caught in an affair say, “Honey, I know what I am doing is wrong.  But believe me, I still love you!” The words and action are contradictory.  No one who understands true love can separate the two. The Apostle John bore witness saying, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.  By this we know that we are in Him.”[1] 

            It is not the one who professes to love God who is true. It is he who keeps His commandments.  According to the Apostle John, any profession without corresponding obedience is a lie.  Our actions will prove it to be a lie on judgment day.  We should make this a matter of serious consideration when professing our love for Jesus.  But for those who are genuine in their love and obedience, Jesus made four promises in John 14:21-23. 

The first promise is that He will manifest Himself to us. Imagine touring a world-renowned arts gallery in total darkness. You would be unimpressed. That is what it is like to profess Christ without obedience to His word. Obedience is the switch that turns the lights on and makes Christ real in our lives. Those who keep His word will walk with Christ with the “lights” on. They will see the beauty and magnificence of who He is.

            The second promise is that the Father will love us. Although God loves all men and gave His Son for them, not all choose to love Him. Therefore He cannot walk in covenant love with them. Covenant love is a conditional love that two parties must agree upon. For instance, marriage is a covenant love that excels the love of any other human relationship.  Those who walk in covenant faithfulness will enjoy the blessing and benefits of covenant love. Those who walk in covenant obedience to Christ will enjoy covenant relationship with Him.

            The third promise is that Jesus and the Father will come to us.  This is the promise of His presence. When He comes, He visits our lives.  He will begin to move in our hearts in a fresh and powerful way. Although God is everywhere, we begin to experience His manifest or tangible presence in our lives. As we draw near to Him in faith and obedience, He promises to draw near to us.

            The fourth promise is that He will make His home with us. This moves beyond a visitation of His presence to a habitation of His presence.  As God has said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them.  I will be their God and they shall be My people.”[2] Christ and the Father will make their home in our hearts.  This is the place of unending communion with Jesus and the Father.  These are the promises for those who love Him.

Application:  Do you love Jesus?  Does your lifestyle and choices bear witness that your love is real or would your profession be considered a lie?  Love involves more than words. Become one who loves God not only in word but also in deed.  The promises of God are to those who walk in the true meaning of love.

Prayer:  “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I have said I love You with my mouth but denied that I love You through my actions.  I repent and determine today to walk in covenant love.  I will keep Your commandments. As I do, manifest Yourself to me as never before.  Let Me know Your love. Visit me with Your presence.  Make Your home in me.  This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

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[1] 1 John 2:3-5 NKJV

[2] 2 Corinthians 6:16 NKJV