Reading Time: 4–5 minutes
Base Text: John 14:15–23
“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
(John 14:23)
God did not call us to live a superficial faith or a Christian life based only on routines. He called us to a living, intimate, and transforming relationship.
In this passage from John 14, Jesus reveals something profound: love for God is not demonstrated only with words, but with a life that keeps His Word. And when that happens, a glorious promise follows: God Himself makes His dwelling in us.
Relationship or Commitment?
Many believers live their faith as a commitment:
- I go to church because “I have to.”
- I read the Bible when I have time left.
- I pray only when I have a problem.
But Jesus is not looking for a relationship of obligation, but a relationship of love.
Commitment is fulfilled out of duty; relationship is lived with joy.
Only those who have a true relationship with Christ remain firm, even in difficult times.
God does not want occasional visitors; He wants children who walk with Him every day.
Loving God Is Shown by Keeping His Word
Jesus is clear:
“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching…”
Keeping the Word is not just having a Bible at home; it means:
- Reading it intentionally
- Meditating on it
- Living it
- Allowing it to correct us, instruct us, and transform us
The Word is the spiritual food that sustains us on the journey.
Without it, we will not reach the end of the year standing firm in faith.
Just as Elijah was strengthened by the food God provided so he could walk forty days and forty nights, today God strengthens us with His living Word to face the long road ahead.
God Desires to Dwell in You
The promise is powerful:
“…we will come to them and make our home with them.”
The Almighty God wants to dwell in us.
But He does not make His home just anywhere; He dwells in surrendered hearts, in lives that love His Word and desire to please Him.
It is not only about having the Holy Spirit, but about being a dwelling place pleasing to Him.
Ask yourself honestly:
- Am I living a relationship with God or just fulfilling an obligation?
- How much time am I dedicating to His Word?
- What occupies more space in my day: the Bible or distractions?
This can be the year when everything changes if you decide to return to intimacy with God.
Prayer
Lord, today I acknowledge that many times I have lived my faith out of habit and not out of love.
Forgive me if I have neglected Your Word and my time with You.
Place in me a hunger and passion to read You, to know You, and to please You.
Make my life a dwelling place pleasing to Your Spirit.
This year I choose to walk with You in a true relationship.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Sincerely,
Pastor Deibis Labrada