Grievous?

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

1 John 5:3-4

For Christians, the word “commandment” often conjures up visions of Moses or the Old Testament sacrifices. But just because we live on this side of the cross doesn’t mean we can completely dismiss the idea of obedience to God’s commands. But because Christ’s sacrifice fulfilled the Old Testament Law, God’s commands look a bit different for believers.

The essence, or course, is the same. (God’s holiness and justice are unchangeable) But the application is different. Before the cross, loving our neighbor as ourselves might have looked like leaving a bit of a field unharvested to provide for the gleaners, while today it may mean sacrificing instead some of our time. energy, or finances to meet another’s need.

It should be mentioned here that the Bible makes it clear that the commandments of God are not something we do to earn salvation, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4) And, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Adherence to the Old Testament Law was an act of faith in the coming Messiah, and the sacrifices were made looking forward to the one sacrifice Christ would make once and for all.

While obedience for the Christian is a result of salvation, not a means, it is still an important part of our relationship with God.

In modern societies, obedience tends to be looked on as a negative thing, but notice what 1 John 5:3 tells us,

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.”

A Christian’s view of obedience should be exactly the opposite of how the world views it. We love God, and we know that everything He commands us is for our good. His love has designed us to be happiest and most fulfilled in Him as we trustingly obey, and so obedience is not grievous, but rather an opportunity to show our love for God while receiving the blessings His love has planned for us as we obey.

God’s commandments are not grievous, because they flow our of His love for us, but that’s not all. Notice the connection between the two verses:

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:3-4)

You see, the commandments of God are an extension of His love for us, but we also have His power to obey—as we take each step of obedience in faith, leaning upon His strength and power, not on our own.  It is this Divine enabling that makes obedience to His commands possible. Remember how Christ described it:

“For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)

He commands, yes, but then gives us His own power with which to fulfill those commands.

Dear Reader, how are you viewing God’s commandments today? Have you fallen into the world’s way of viewing obedience as grievous? Or are you rejoicing in them as marks of God’s love, trusting Him to enable you to obey?

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” 

Matthew 11:28-30