Keep My Commandments

By Hunter Grills

July 28, 2026

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

The Christian life is one of a relationship, not an exhaustive checklist of dos and don’ts. Scripture lays out clear instructions and commands for how we are to walk in our daily lives. Unfortunately, the heart and motives for following God’s commandments are often out of balance. Notice that John 14:15 does not say if you keep my commandments, then you will love me. This would be putting the cart in front of the horse. The verse reads “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

The Bible tells us that God’s commandments are not grievous.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

When a child of God loves the Lord with all of his heart, soul, and might, the commandments of God are not grievous. The natural result of loving the Lord is wanting to please Him. His commandments are then a result of a heart of love. We keep His commandments because we have been bought with a price, not to try to earn salvation.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were certainly keeping the law outwardly, but the issue was with their heart. Once a person’s heart is regenerated, a new life in Christ begins. When that saved heart falls in love with the Savior, reading His Word and keeping His commandments will naturally follow.

1 John 3:22-23 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Reflection—Jesus’ love standard is in His Words, “As I have loved you.”