Love enters the world of its own accord, for its own reasons. And love is always accompanied by light. That is, love always illuminates the space it occupies.

Watch now for love to enlighten your world. Look to see what new understanding is yours in the presence of love. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 
-John 15:9-11

How often do you hear commandments? It may depend on who is giving the commandments in your life as to how you receive them. The person giving them as well as the intent behind them are often important. The commandments we read about in scripture are not there because God likes to be the boss. God has given us commandments to show the best way for us to live.

It's better for us to love our enemies than to hate them. It's better to tell the truth than to lie. It's better to take a day of rest each week than to work without stopping. God knows that when we live by these commandments, we are not only living in the way that is safer and more productive for us, we are living in a way that allows us to experience God's love more deeply. What are some ways that you have experienced God's love more deeply recently?

Prayer for Today

God, you have called us to live in ways that at times seem difficult to do. Remind us each day that as we live in the way you have instructed, we am moving closer and closer to you. Make our joy complete, O God. In Christ's Name, Amen.