A Circle of Love

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
(1 John 5:3-5)

The phrase that caught my attention in this verse is "and His commandments are not burdensome." Let's all face it, sometimes they are! I'm not just thinking about the Ten Commandments; I'm thinking about those nudges and promptings of the Holy Spirit. You know, that still, small voice that carries a LOT of authority!

If I am walking by SIGHT and not by faith, His commandments can be burdensome!
If I am walking in the FLESH and not in the Spirit, they are definitely burdensome!

As I studied this verse, and asked God for insight, I realized that it reads like an equation and ultimately forms a type of circle.

Let's look at it and try to break it down:

Love of God = keeping His commandments (obedient heart)
An obedient heart = an overcomer
An overcomer = having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ = the Love of God

Do you see how it all works together? God's formula is perfect - complete. Our Heavenly Father KNOWS that we cannot walk in righteousness in our own strength. That's why He covered all the bases for us. We are His creation, His handiwork...His child. We are sealed in His love.

God has required of us to be "IN this world, but not OF this world", right?

Have you tried this lately? It can be very difficult. Being "SET APART" requires sacrifice but, my oh my, what blessings untold are poured out upon us when we keep His commandments because of our love for Him.

How do we keep His commandments? Love Him.

When we love Him and have an obedient heart which keeps His commandments, what happens? We become overcomers.

What is the key ingredient to being an overcomer? Having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Who is Jesus? The Son of God, the ultimate expression of God's love.

Can you see the circle? It BEGINS with the love of God and it ENDS with the Love of God.

In John 15:9 Jesus is speaking, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love."

Abide in My love. LIVE WITHIN MY LOVE!

In your mind form the circle of God's love based on 1 John 5:3-5 (today's verse). Now place yourself in the center. Can you see it?

The center of God's love...safe and secure from all life's harms; A place where His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

A circle of love.
Kind of like a wedding band.

Hmmm...A circle of love = covenant love.

Lord, Your ways are perfect. Thank You. Thank You for making a way for us to live according to Your will. Your Truth is so simple and yet powerful, profound and life-changing. Help us see the picture of living within the circle of Your love - Your covenant love. Thank you Lord. We love You and give You praise!