October 24, 2022

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

That’s a verse widely misinterpreted. Loving Jesus is coterminous with keeping every jot and tittle of the Law. If that were the way to understand Jesus here, then it would follow that no one loves Jesus.

Instead, He is just describing how obedience to the Law actually works. It works through love. When you love another human being, you want to do what that person wants – what pleases him or her. Love is the engine.

Same with God! This is exactly what we pray about in this week’s collect.

“Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 25 – BCP)