Thursday Reflection June 10, 2021

*Thursday Reflection*
*June 10, 2021*
*Obey God’s commandments*
*For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 NRSV*
Greeting friends 
I begin this reflection by asking what are the commandments of God? We can find the answer in Luke 10:27 which says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
As John reflected in this chapter he stated that everyone who believes in Jesus has become a child of God and everyone who loves God, loves his children too.  This is how we know we love God, when we love his children and keep his commandments. 
As I reflected on the Apostle John’s comments, I realize how easy it is to say we love God, but here John shows us that we cannot love God without loving those who are part of the body of Christ and also without loving our neighbor which includes our enemy. *No amount of position in the church, no amount of titles in the church and no amount of length of service in the church can replace or substitute the command of Jesus to love God and love others.* So in others words, your position of Elder, Steward or Treasurer nor your title of Bishop, President, or Reverend, nor your 20, 30, or 50 years of service in the church can substitute or replace God’s command to Love Him and Love Others.
*What does this Love entails?* I realize we find it easy to help those in dire need, but love surpasses this. Loving God means giving up everything for God-your time, your job, and your loved ones. God becomes the most important person in your life and this must be backed up by action. We cannot say we love God and we spend the least amount of time with Him daily. We cannot say God is the most important person in our life and we are not willing to give up anything for God. Likewise we cannot say we love people and we look down on them or speak to them in demeaning manner. We ignore their needs and operate as if they are below us. This is not reflective of God’s command to love our neighbours. To love your neighbour is speaking to them in a respectful manner, being there for them and journeying with them. When we love as God intended then we are believers of Christ.
John says God’s commandment to love is not burdensome. Everyone who believe in God has already defeated the world and we achieved this victory through our faith. So our faith helps us to love. Are you finding it hard to love someone today? Then check your faith, this is needed to show love to God and to others.
So obey God’s commandments and show love to God and to others for its easy to do with faith.
*Blessings*
*Christopher Euphfa*