1 Samuel chapter 15 verse 22 (NIV)
But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
John chapter 14: verse 15 (NIV)
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
John chapter 14 verse 21 (NIV)
” Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
It seems to me that people show their love to others in very different ways. Some like to do so with extravagant gestures, and perhaps, if they have the means to do so, in expensive gifts. Others may be able to say just what someone wants to hear, nice words and compliments, and the right music to touch the heart strings. But there are some who may not fit in to those “romantic” characteristics. They may show their love in a very practical manner – doing the things that need attended to without complaint, or even being asked, always there when needed, even if it means putting themselves out, or changing their plans to accommodate others. I’m sure that those who know someone like that will know that they are loved, just as much as those who get the gifts chocolates and flowers. My dad fitted in to the latter category of people. Always there and totally reliable and willing to lend a hand. He did like to make sure when giving a greetings card that it had a nice verse in it, but he was otherwise not one for making a show or a fuss, and he loved my mum very much.
One year after they were both retired, valentine’s day coincided with my mum’s weekly catch up with her oldest sister at my aunt’s house. When she was there, a bunch of red roses was delivered to my aunt – a gift from my uncle. Mum told us all about it very wistfully. She and my dad had never celebrated valentine’s day to my knowledge, but she often commented on those flowers in the years that followed So on her last birthday, her 75th, when both of them were in poor health, I arranged, with Dad’s agreement, for a delivery of red roses as Dad’s birthday gift for mum. It was the last gift he was to give her and it made her day. But she knew my dad loved her, and she him in return without the flowers.
Saul made extravagant gestures following the battle with the Amalakites, but that wasn’t what God wanted. He had asked Saul to do something and He expected Saul’s obedience. That would prove Saul’s attitude towards God. Jesus too, told His disciples that He didn’t need extravagant gestures of love. He would know of someone’s love for Him if they kept and obeyed His commands. He doesn’t need or expect more than that, yet we sometimes try to prove our love by doing things for Him and in His name. But if they’re not what He wants from us, in effect we are ignoring His desire for us and doing our own thing. Is that the right way to show someone who has given His life for us that we love Him? I don’t think so. Our obedience brings joy to God’s heart, so that’s all we need to remember to do.
Dear Lord,
I’m grateful that Jesus didn’t just tell us He loved us, He showed us. Help me to show my love for You through being willing and obedient and keeping Your commands. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.