Turn away from wrongdoing

19 But the solid foundation that God has laid cannot be shaken; and on it are written these words: “The Lord knows those who are his” and “Those who say that they belong to the Lord must turn away from wrongdoing.” 20 In a large house there are dishes and bowls of all kinds: some are made of silver and gold, others of wood and clay; some are for special occasions, others for ordinary use. 21 Those who make themselves clean from all those evil things, will be used for special purposes, because they are dedicated and useful to their Master, ready to be used for every good deed. 22 Avoid the passions of youth, and strive for righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who with a pure heart call out to the Lord for help.  (2 Timothy 2:19-22) 

 

Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. But anyone who doesn't love me, won't obey me. (John 14:23-24)

 

If we truly love Jesus we will obey Him, not because we are able to do so consistently in our own strength, but because we will be joined to Him by His Holy Spirit who pours out His love in our hearts (Romans 5:5). The very love that motivates and enables us to obey. When we are joined to Him we will bear much fruit (John 15). It is not so much making an effort bearing fruit, rathe rit is the natural outflow of a heart joined in love to Him so that His life-giving streams of living water flow in and through us, producing as fruit an obedient life. 

 

Loving Jesus and remaining joined to Him in love entails that we turn away from wrongdoing. True love does not intentionally wants to hurt the other. If we do seek to intentionally hurt the other in a relationship then our love for them is not genuine, it may be little more than self-love which is concerned with how the other can benefit me rather than with how can I serve and please the other.

Maybe you recognize too much self-love and too little genuine love for God in your own heart. Maybe you are convicted in your heart that truly you often do not obey Christ because you do not love Him enough? It is never too late to turn-away from wrongdoing and to admit to God "I want to love and obey you, but I am unable to do it in my own strength. Please help me draw closer to you, please fill my heart with true love for you so that I will eagerly and joyfully seek to obey you.

Amen