1 John 5:3 To love God means that we obey his commandments. Obeying his commandments isn’t difficult.
1 John 5:3 means that genuine love for God expresses itself through joyful obedience. John teaches that loving God is not just a feeling—it is shown by keeping His commandments, and for the believer, those commandments are not burdensome.
John defines love in practical terms. Love for God is not merely emotion or talk—it is loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness expressed in action.
Obedience is the evidence of love. Jesus taught the same: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Love and obedience are inseparable in Scripture.
God’s commands feel heavy only to hearts that resist Him. For those born of God, His commands are life-giving, empowered by the Spirit, and aligned with the new nature. They are not oppressive, but freeing.
Why God’s commands aren’t burdensome
New birth changes desires — The believer delights in God’s law (Romans 7:22).
The Spirit empowers obedience — We walk by the Spirit, not by sheer willpower (Galatians 5:16).
Christ’s yoke is easy — Jesus Himself says His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).
Love transforms duty into joy — “Love feels no loads,” as one commentator puts it.
John is combating false ideas that someone can “know God” while ignoring His commands.
True believers: confess Christ, love God’s people, and obey God’s commands.
Obedience is not how we earn salvation—it is the fruit of being born of God.
If you truly love God, obedience becomes the natural expression of that love. When obedience feels heavy, it’s often a sign that: you’re trying to obey without relying on the Spirit, or your heart needs to be realigned with love for God.Love makes obedience light.
NOW ASK YOURSELF, DO I REALLY LOVE GOD?
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com