17 December | Teens
«This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.» 2 John 1: 6
Love is a word we hear a lot, but have you ever stopped to think about what it really means to love, according to the Bible? In 2 John 1:6, we find a clear and profound explanation of love: “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.” True love, the love that comes from God, is closely linked to obedience to His commandments. After all, that's how we show that we love Him!
Loving God is not just a feeling; it's an action. It's living according to His teachings, showing love and respect for Him and the people around us. It's choosing to do good, to be honest, to care for others and to help those in need. This is true love: a love that shows itself, not just with words. Jesus taught something similar when He said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). This means that, by obeying God, we are giving proof of our love for Him! And even more! When we truly love, we follow the example of our Master Jesus, who loved us and encouraged us to do the same.
Take Action
To put this love into practice, try doing a “love challenge” this week. Choose one of God's commandments to focus on each day. It could be something like “respect God's name,” “honor your parents,” “don't steal,” or even to “keep the Sabbath” more devoutly. Try to live this commandment during the day and, in the evening, reflect on how it has helped you to love God and the people around you in a truer way.