a bread Crumb  . . .

Have you ever told someone if you love me then you would do such and such? Sometimes when we say it, we are just saying it to get someone to do what we want them to do at that time. Other times we are saying it in our hearts about someone that we desperately need to do something for us. There are certain things we expect from those we love. There are things that we need from those that say they love us. The fact is that when you truly love someone there are certain things that you do. No matter who you are or what your personality is. There are characteristics we have for those that we love. Many of us have been in relationships where it became evident that the other person didn’t love us as we loved the other.

In John 14, Jesus said in verse 15 "if you love me, keep my commandments", in verse 21 "he who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me." And in verse 23 "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word." Jesus repeatedly tells us that IF we love Him, then we will keep His commands. Then, in verse 24, Jesus tells us that "he that does not love Me, does not keep My words." Jesus is very straight forward. Jesus tells us very plainly that if we love Him, we will do what He has told us to do. It is just a fact! As I said before when you truly love someone, there are certain things you do.

The thing that I found interesting about this chapter of the Bible is that in the midst of Jesus telling us "IF you love me," He is promising to answer our prayer when we ask in His name, He is promising to give us the Holy Spirit, promising His Father’s love and leaving His peace to us. The more we give to Jesus the more He gives back to us.

Having a relationship with Jesus is definitely not a one-sided relationship!