Since “faith without deeds is useless [dead, KJV],” a heart motivated by love produces a life of loving obedience! (James 2:20, 22; 1 John 5:2). To love Christ is to obey His commandments:

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.”
—John 14:21.

Paul echoes Jesus’ teaching:

“What the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.”
—Romans 8:3, 4.

Living in the Spirit’s power translates into a growing ability to fulfill the “righteous requirements” of the law.

Eric Liddell demonstrated that, even in the worst of circumstances, the believer who is plugged into God’s power can live a contented, obedient life. Liddell demonstrated a winsome grace in a time of stress and fear. His love relationship with God enabled Him to meet “the righteous requirements of the law” through his loving relationships with others in the internment camp. A love relationship with the crucified and risen Saviour can produce that quality of life. For when Christ’s love fills our hearts, it becomes our nature to obey His commandments.

“The requirements of the law are written on [our] hearts.”
—Romans 2:15.

Have you discovered this secret for yourself? Jesus’ love for you caused Him to give His life for your sin. He offers to empower all your relationships with His love and to “equip you with everything good for doing his will” (Hebrews 13:21). What is your response?

Dear Father in heaven: Thank You for giving us Your Word as a guidebook for Christian living. Thank You for giving us Jesus as our Saviour and our Example. Thank You for the power of Your love which makes it possible to live for You according to the Bible and the Ten Commandments. Thank you for the fulfilling life that loving obedience brings. Please fill my heart with more and more of that love. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.