Do You Truly Love Jesus? Understanding Obedience in the Life of a Believer

The Bible tells us plainly in John 14:15, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” These words, spoken by Jesus, challenge us to reflect on what it truly means to follow Him. Is Christianity just a list of rules? Does God’s love hinge on our ability to perfectly obey? Or does faith give us license to live however we please? The answers to these questions reveal the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

More Than Rules
Some view the Bible as nothing more than a rulebook, a set of dos and don’ts meant to restrict our freedom. Others see obedience as a way to earn God’s favor—a misguided attempt to prove they are good enough for Him to love. Both perspectives miss the heart of the gospel.

The Bible isn’t a book of arbitrary rules designed to weigh us down; it’s a revelation of who God is and how much He loves us. His commands are not burdensome but are meant for our good (1 John 5:3). They guide us toward the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10. Obedience is not about earning His love—it’s our response to His love.

The Misuse of Grace
On the other hand, some believe that salvation is a one-time event, a ticket to heaven that frees them from any responsibility to live a holy life. Paul addressed this misconception in Romans 6:1-2: “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?”

Grace is not an excuse to sin. Instead, it is the power to overcome sin and live in obedience to God. When we put our faith in Jesus, we are not just saved from something (hell)—we are saved for something: a new life in Christ.

Obedience Is a Response to Love
C.S. Lewis captured this truth beautifully when he said, “Obedience isn’t legalism, it’s a symptom of salvation.” True faith in Jesus transforms our hearts. It’s not about checking boxes or following rules to avoid punishment; it’s about loving God so deeply that we want to honor Him in every area of our lives.

When we truly surrender to Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to work within us, producing fruit that reflects our new identity (Galatians 5:22-23). Obedience becomes a joy, not a burden, because it flows from a heart that loves God.

A Call to Examine Your Heart
The Bible warns us to examine our faith: “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). If you claim to follow Jesus but have no desire to obey Him, it’s worth asking whether you have truly surrendered your life to Him.

Jesus didn’t call us to a half-hearted faith. He said in Luke 9:23, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Following Jesus means giving Him full authority over your life. It means repenting of your sins, putting your faith in Him, and allowing Him to transform you from the inside out.

Living a Life of Obedience
So how do we live a life of obedience?

1. Know His Word: You can’t obey what you don’t know. Spend time in the Bible daily, not as a checklist but as a way to know God and His heart.
2. Depend on the Holy Spirit: Obedience is impossible in your own strength. Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower you to live in a way that honors God (Philippians 2:13).
3. Confess and Repent: When you fall short—and you will—confess your sins to God and turn back to Him. His grace is sufficient, and His mercies are new every morning (1 John 1:9; Lamentations 3:22-23).
4. Surround Yourself with Believers: Community helps us stay accountable and encourages us to grow in our faith.

The Nails Didn’t Hold Him—Love Did
As you consider the call to obedience, remember this: Jesus didn’t go to the cross because He felt like it. He went because He loves us. The nails didn’t hold Him there—love did. And if we truly love Him in return, our lives will reflect that love through obedience.

Obedience is not the cause of salvation; it’s the evidence of it. It’s the outward expression of an inward transformation. Let’s live in a way that shows the world the beauty of a life surrendered to Jesus.