“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15 NIV
Overview–
Love and Obedience in the Writings of John
The Apostle John, often referred to as the Apostle of Love, presents a unique theology that connects love and obedience in a profoundly personal way. Nothing in Scripture better illustrates the relationship between divine love and human response than the Gospel of John and the Epistles of John. The phrase “If you love me, keep my commandments” is a key theme in Johannine theology, appearing in various forms throughout John’s writings.
This theological vision is explained and clarified in the book *The Four Commands of Christ: Disciplines of Faith*. This book not only clarifies the commands to follow but also offers guidance on how to observe them, similar to how Jethro advised Moses in Exodus 18:20. In that verse, Jethro says, “Teach them His decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.” The Four Commands of Christ present the decrees, with instructions for each—Humble Yourself and Submit, Give your Neighbor Grace and Mercy, practice Forgiveness within your church, and then Go and share this gospel. The book embodies what John records Jesus commanding His followers to do. These disciplines are not add-ons to the Bible but have been practiced by the Hebrew Nation for generations. They are practical summaries of the relational commands found throughout the Johannine texts. Therefore, the book provides a contemporary framework for living out the commands that John so passionately preserved.
The author states that God revealed to him one of the Four Commands of Christ, which is found in John 13:34–35 (NIV): “A new command I give you: Love one another……By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,” has deeper implications than some believe. God directed the author’s attention to the next-to-last sentence, “by this everyone will know.” The word “everyone” suggested that it was meant for those inside the church, not outside. While some interpret this command as a directive to love all people, it is specifically aimed at the New Church Jesus established through His death on the cross and the appointment of twelve disciples. This command, spoken not to the crowds but to the eleven disciples in the upper room, is the foundation of the New Church being formed by Jesus. It’s not just a general request for kindness—it’s a covenantal charge, a new command.
When we, His Church, fail to love as He loved, we weaken our witness. Even those drawn to Christ, like Gandhi, might be a Christian now if it weren’t for the Christians he met earlier in life. It is recorded—some say yes and some say no—that Gandhi stated, ‘If it weren’t for Christians, I’d be a Christian,’ and later, ‘I like Christ, I do not like your Christians.’ Others like Gandhi get turned off, not by Christ Himself, but by our failure to reflect Him. The inability of some Christians to love, and to love the way Christ loved, is why we aren’t the only religion in the world. Some Christian affiliations permit what is called a Sinning Religion, when we should be teaching holiness because the Bible says, ‘Be holy, for I AM holy,’
Throughout Jesus’ farewell discourse (John 13–17), He repeatedly emphasizes that love for God is demonstrated through obedience. Verses such as John 14:15, 14:21, 14:23, 15:10, and 15:14 affirm this essential truth: to love Jesus is to keep His commands. This is not a call to legalism but to a relational alignment. Jesus is not seeking mechanical adherence; He desires hearts that are fully surrendered to Him. The Apostle John, deeply shaped by Christ’s teachings, presents obedience not as a burdensome law but as love in motion—evidence that we belong to Him. For John, love is not passive affection but active allegiance, rooted in truth and lived out in community. The Johannine invitation is clear: if we love Christ, we will walk in His Word and follow His commands not as an obligation but as our joyful response to His love.
The epistles of John continue this theological thread. In 1 John 2:3–6, the apostle writes that those who truly know God will keep His commands. In 1 John 5:3, he explicitly states, “This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” Similarly, 2 John 1:6 defines love itself as walking in obedience to God’s commands. These affirmations elevate obedience from mere rule-following to a defining characteristic of Christian love.
This theme is rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in Deuteronomy, where love for God is expressed through obedience (Deuteronomy 6:5; 11:1 NIV). However, John’s writings introduce a deeper understanding related to the New Covenant. In Christ, love and commandments are no longer abstract or ritualistic; they are relational and everlasting. Jesus Himself embodies both the command and the example—He perfectly loved the Father and obeyed Him, even unto death (John 14:31 NIV).
As followers of Christ, we may struggle to comprehend the cost of true discipleship. In a nation where faith rarely demands our lives, choosing Jesus is often seen as a shift in priorities rather than a surrender of everything. But the call remains the same: take up your cross and follow me . Are we prepared to follow Him, not just when it’s comfortable, but when the cost is real and the stakes are eternal?
Another significant aspect of this love we must learn is that we must share it with others so they can become His disciples. If we love God, then we will follow His commands and disciple others. Obedience is not about law but about love in action. The Johannine invitation is clear: to love Christ is to walk in His Word and His Commandments.
He provides us with four central commands that serve as the foundation for everything else in the Gospel. These commands are more than just principles; they are an invitation to enter into a deeper, transformative relationship with Jesus. They guide us toward a renewed heart, a holy life, and a purposeful mission. Throughout this study, you will also receive practical instructions for daily living.