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What It Really Means to Love God: Walking in Obedience and Love

 

Family communicating warmly around a table during the holiday


What It Really Means to Love God

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to God’s commands. As you have heard from the beginning, God’s command is that you walk in love." – 2 John 1:6 (KSB)

   Clear communication is essential, especially during the holiday season. To experience a peaceful and meaningful Christmas, it is important not to hold thoughts or emotions inside. Instead, openness and clarity should shape our interactions with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and our wider community.

   First, put God first. Prioritizing our connection with God helps align our thoughts, words, and actions with divine love and obedience. When our hearts are centered on God, our communication naturally becomes more sincere, compassionate, and grounded.

   Second, keep God’s commands. This means reflecting on the moral and spiritual guidance God gives us. His greatest command is love, love for Him and love for one another. When we intentionally follow His word, our relationships become healthier, more honest, and more life-giving.

   Third, walk in love by expressing openly and honestly. Walking in love requires consistent, heartfelt communication. Whether it’s a phone call, face-to-face conversation, text message, email, handwritten letter, card, or social media message, every channel is an opportunity to bring clarity, warmth, and understanding.

   Embracing these steps helps create the open and loving communication needed to enjoy the Christmas season fully and deeply. Love does not assume that others simply “know” how we feel. It speaks. It shares. It clarifies. Through clear and compassionate communication, we nurture the relationships and peace we long for at this special time of year.

   To love God, as 2 John 1:6 teaches, is to obey Him. And to obey Him is to walk in love intentionally, openly, and consistently.

   Love God (2 John 1:6)

   1. Put God first

   2. Keep God’s commands

   3. Walk in love

📖 Reflection: In what ways can you communicate more clearly and lovingly with the people around you this week?

💡 Action Step: Choose one person and reach out with a thoughtful message, intentional conversation, or heartfelt expression of appreciation.

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