How do we love Jesus?

Last week I posted a short blog that asked the question, "How do we love God?"

The question was asked at the start of our worship service at Harvest Church. I wanted to take a moment just before we begun, to remind us of why we had gathered that morning. The past Sunday, I asked a similar question, "How do we love Jesus?"

Like the first, this is an important question for us to conside, especially in the context of being the Church. As believers, or better, followers of Jesus, it is crucial that we know how to love him.

Sure, it's easy to say, and most likely we say often. But I think the evidence for true love is found not just in the words we say, but in how we live our lives.

1. If You Love Jesus, You Will Obey His Commands.
In John 14:15, Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commands." Short. Sweet. And to the point. If you love me, keep my commands. In other words, in order to demonstrate our love for Christ, Jesus says, do what I have told you to do. Carry out the work. Live the teachings I gave you. Be who you say you are. If we love Jesus, then we are to live accordingly.

2. Be Devoted Learns of All Jesus Taught.
In the book of Acts, chapter 2, we are given a snapshot of what love looked like. As the church is birthed, and the people make the move from a religion to a relationship, the writer af Acts makes this confirming statement.  "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachingBE)' data-cr="#cen-NIV-26992BE"> and to fellowship, to the breaking of breadBF)' data-cr="#cen-NIV-26992BF"> and to prayer." (Acts 2:42 NIV) In this new church the focus of the people was on what the apostles were teaching. It says here in verse 42 that they, that would be the people who have surrendered they're lives to Jesus, DEVOTED themselves to the knowing what was that Christ taught. These young believers were committed to learning all that Jesus had commanded. And it didn't stop with learning it, they lived in.

Acts 2, goes on to tell us that not only did they learn it, but they practiced these teaching in how they lived. Verses 44-47 read, "All the believers were together and had everything in common.BI)' data-cr="#cen-NIV-26994BI"> 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.BJ)' data-cr="#cen-NIV-26995BJ"> 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.BK)' data-cr="#cen-NIV-26996BK"> They broke breadBL)' data-cr="#cen-NIV-26996BL"> in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.BM)' data-cr="#cen-NIV-26997BM"> And the Lord added to their numberBN)' data-cr="#cen-NIV-26997BN"> daily those who were being saved."

As we think about how we love Jesus, I believe it comes down to a simple act of obedience. If you love me, Jesus says, then keep my commands. Will you be obedient? Will you choose to love Jesus? Will you devote yourself to all that he taught? And will you live it out in your llife? When we do, we demonstrate our love for Jesus!

Love God.

Love Jesus.

Love Others.

It's what the Church is called to do.

- jay