Biblical Reflections · Christian Life
Can we say we love God if our actions do not reflect it?
2 min read, approximately
_“Seek good and not evil, so that you may live; then the Lord God of hosts will be with you, as you say. Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in judgment; perhaps the Lord God of hosts will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.” (Amos 5:14-15)
Did you know that the prophet Amos’s call still applies today?
Obedience versus sacrifice
Sometimes we try to make up for our lack of commitment with rituals, but the Word reminds us in 1 Samuel 15:22 that, without a doubt, obedience is better than sacrifices. Our Heavenly Father does not seek outward forms, but a heart attentive to his voice.
“But Samuel answered: What pleases the Lord most: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
The law of sowing and reaping
The truth is that we cannot deceive ourselves: what we sow today, sooner or later we will reap.
“Do not deceive yourselves, because no one can mock God. A person reaps what they sow.” (Galatians 6:7)
Now, true love for our God is shown in keeping his commandments
“The person who truly loves me knows my commandments and obeys them. My Father will love whoever loves me, and I too will love them and reveal myself to them.” (John 14:21)
The truth is that we cannot say we love him if we do not listen to him. In the end, saying we are his friends while ignoring what he asks of us is deceiving ourselves; real love shows in the desire to follow in his footsteps.
The sin of omission
Doing good is not optional. James 4:17 warns us that knowing what is right and not doing it is also sin.
Saved for good works
It is vital to remember that we do not do good to earn salvation, but because we are already saved by grace. As Ephesians 2:8-10 says, we are his creation, designed beforehand to live doing good.
May God continue to bless you.