John 14:21-27 (NRSV)
Read John 14:21-27 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them." Verse 22Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?" Verse 23Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Verse 24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
Verse 25"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. Verse 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Verse 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Devotion
There is a link between the love to God and keeping His commandments. It would be misleading if you think that love of God and keeping His commandments do not go together.
Many people believe that Jesus never spoke of certain sins, that He only spoke of love. Jesus often spoke and emphasized that obedience and behavior are a product of obedience. Remember that Jesus was heard by thousands who did not become "disciples" for not wanting to commit themselves to the Lord. Nobody can lead a life entirely on a whim and think that it is pleasing God. We are saved, because we believe in Jesus Christ and to believe in Jesus we must love him. If we love, then we keep his commandments. We follow his paths and His Word, not our thoughts.
Prayer
Dear Father: I cannot run away from you. You are my Father and I am your child. As your child, I want to be obedient to you and your will for me. Help me to follow your path. Amen.