The power of the covenant (Part 4)
The covenant between a man and a woman is supposed to be built on love. It is very difficult, even a burden to marry a man or a woman you do not like.
Regarding our covenant with Jesus (for those who have committed to accept him as their Lord and Savior), the Bible clearly shows that it is Jesus who loved us first. John wrote, saying: "We love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4: 19).
I know that when I speak of love, many think of love feelings and emotions, but it is not that kind of love that I am talking about. I speak of love as defined by Jesus. If I ask you if you love Jesus, I know that the answer is a spontaneous big YES. But if you consider the words of Jesus, He shows how to know those who love him and those who do not love Him. He said: “He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him "(John 14: 21).
According to Jesus, the one who loves Him is one who has and keeps His commandments. You can tell everyone that you love Jesus, you can even cry in praying or singing but if you do not keep His commandments, you do not love Him (according to Him). Here Jesus was not speaking of the 613 laws of Moses, but he has always insisted on what he called “A new commandment”. He said: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another"(John 13: 34).
Jesus is not impressed when you tell Him that you love Him but He wants you show it through actions. This is why He said: "IF you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14: 15).
It is the same for those who sing that they are "Friends of Jesus". We heard nice songs when we say that we are friends of Jesus or God's friends but if you read the scriptures, you will notice that there is always a condition for being called "Friend of Jesus". He said: "You are my friends, IF you do whatsoever I command you" (John 15: 14).
Those who obey Jesus and His commandments are his friends. Therefore, it is not by singing that you are the friend of Jesus that you become one but it is by submitting yourself totally under his authority. You cannot pretend to be a friend of Jesus if you walk in adultery, lying, hatred or whatever is against his commands. Those who are born again automatically become children of God but are not automatically "Friends of Jesus"
I would like you to ask yourself the question of knowing whether you are the friend of Jesus? If the Holy Spirit shows you something that keeps you from being one, it is the time to repent.
To be continued in Part 5
Chris Ndikumana
