LOVING GOD THROUGH OBEDIENCE

Loving God Through Obedience

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.”
— 1 John 5:3 (NASB 2025)

Loving God is not just about feelings or moments of worship, it’s about submission. Obedience is the concrete proof of love. To follow God's commands is to trust that His ways are better than our ways. When our hearts are aligned with His, obedience doesn’t feel like pressure—it feels like privilege.

Faith In Action
In the early 19th century, Adoniram Judson embarked on a journey that would define the course of American missionary work. Leaving behind the comforts of his New England upbringing, he set sail for Burma (modern-day Myanmar) with a singular purpose: to share the gospel with those who had never heard it.

Judson's mission was fraught with challenges. He endured the loss of his wife, Ann, and several children, faced imprisonment under suspicion of espionage during the Anglo-Burmese War, and spent years laboring without seeing the fruits of his efforts. Despite these hardships, his commitment never wavered. He immersed himself in the Burmese language and culture, eventually translating the entire Bible into Burmese, a monumental task that laid the foundation for future Christian work in the region.

When asked if the cost was worth it, Judson responded with unwavering hope: "The future is as bright as the promises of God." This statement wasn't born from a life of ease but from a deep-seated trust in God's faithfulness amidst suffering.

Judson's legacy is a testament to a faith that transcends personal loss and adversity. His life challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment and the lengths we're willing to go for the sake of the gospel. In Judson, we see a portrait of obedience not rooted in duty alone but in a profound love for the God who calls and sustains.

The Bottom Line
Obedience is love in action. When you obey God even when it hurts or costs you something, you're telling Him He’s worth more than your comfort, convenience, or control.

Something To Think About
Is there a command of God that you are resisting right now?

Is there something that God has been speaking to you through the Holy Spirit that you keep ignoring? Are you practicing disobedience by practicing delayed obedience?

Is there somewhere in your circumstances where you are suffering simply because you refuse to listen to the wisdom of Scripture or the prodding of the Holy Spirit?