Faith, Love and Obedience Are Basic

Few things are more important to God than Faith, love and obedience. Today, let’s consider these things and seek God’s understanding about these things in our lives.

Throughout the bible we find that God is impressed when people exhibit faith and love. This, more than anything else moves God to act. Why would that be? The bible does give us clues when we read:

Exo_20:6 and showing mercy to thousands of those that love Me and keep My commandments.
Pro_8:17 I love those who love me; and those who seek me early shall find me.
Joh_14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.
Joh_14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, If a man loves Me, he will keep My Word. And My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.
Joh_14:24 He who does not love Me does not keep My Words, and the Word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.
Rom_16:26 but now has been made plain, and by the prophetic Scriptures, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith;
2Co_7:15 And his tender feelings are more abundant toward you, remembering the obedience of you all, as you received him with fear and trembling.
2Co_10:5 pulling down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ;

God ties love to obedience that we, and Jesus as a man, should obey the will of the Father to prove our love to Him. Jesus proved this when He chose the will of God the Father even over His suffering and death after the terrible night in the Garden of Gethseme.

Mat 26:39 And He went a little further and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.

Jesus also gives us another clue when He says:

1Jn_4:17 In this is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, that as He is, so also we are in this world.
1Jn_4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment. He who fears has not been perfected in love.

We cannot not fake calm in the face of dangers that Satan sends in our testings. Trust has to be real! When we have perfect love we are completely trusting in God instead of ourselves. Our faith in God has been proven that we trust Him as our deliverer from all evil. So obedience comes out of faith and faith proves trust and love.

In our human nature, we first ask “What do I get out of this?” It is wonderful when we can find peace in the midst of the storm and help from a loving God. But, now consider the above from God’s point of view. As our creator God had a purpose for making mankind that has given Him many heartaches. Would we have done the same if we could? Not likely! There has to be more of a return to warrant so much endured pain.

Yes, God receives glory and tribute from His creation. But, He gave so much for that glory! Read 1John 4:18 again. Who is the recipient of the love? God. Thus, we now understand that God not only loves mankind, but also desires His love to be returned. Without love there can be no real fellowship with man. Only real love causes marriages to last and all trials to be healed from any relationship. Only love will endure sacrifices. God wants more than just obedience, He wants love. A love that has been tested as real through the storms that Satan sends. Scripture says that we are made in the image of god. Thus, we can relate how important love and trust are in any relationship we may have. Shouldn’t God desire the same? And since God loves us and desires us to love Him, it is no great surprise that He wants those who do love Him to be with Him though eternity. He also desires those who are His to share in His glory and all that He has. Love will cause that to happen.

In summary:
Faith:
Proves belief and trust in God, in His word and in Christ
Leads to obedience and love
Relieves stress on the believer
Gives hope
Overcomes doubt and distrust

Love
Heals mental anguish
Creates a desire to please and give support
Creates passion, tenderness, caring and devotion (adoration)
Shows an unselfish desire to be loyal
Overcomes fear through trust (faith)
Leads to a state of joy and happiness
Leads to correct actions beyond what is lawfully required

Obedience
Proves love and faith in God
Leads to correct actions beyond what is lawfully required
Requires guidance and listening as a follower
Reduces anxiety about what to do when difficulties arise

We know that structures and bonds are strong when a triangulation of support is created. Perhaps, that is why God is a triune being, why families with a father, mother and children bond more solidly as a family. These three things of faith, love and obedience also create a strong bond between God and man. Each thing supports the other two and create an invincible tie to bind God and people in an unbreakable relationship. Think about it!