Latest Devotion
One Faithful Step
By: Traci Dean
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
“If you love me, keep my commands." John 14:15
If we truly love Jesus, we must obey His commands. Throughout Scripture, a love for God is connected to obeying Him. When someone asked Jesus which commandment was the most important, He told them it is loving God completely, with our heart, soul, and mind. But the best way for us to prove we love God is our obedience.
Growing up, I often heard the phrase “Actions speak louder than words.” It's a common phrase, but there's a lot of truth in that statement. What we say isn't what counts, it’s what we do. But the longer I follow Jesus, the more I realize obedience happens in the ordinary moments of life. Obedience isn't just our single “yes” to God, it must be our mindset and our lifestyle.
Being obedient doesn’t mean we're perfect either... it just means we've chosen to put our trust in God instead of ourselves. It also means we prioritize the importance of God’s Word, and we will honor Him in whatever we do. It doesn’t happen overnight, but when we surrender everything to God, He starts gradually transforming us into the image of His Son.
What does that transformation look like? We'll choose patience over frustration and speak truth when it's easier to just compromise. We extend forgiveness to someone we don't think deserves it, and we're able to let go of our past hurts. But remember, Jesus promised to send us a helper, so obedience isn't something we do alone.
"I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth." John 14:16 (NLT)
The Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, defender, and intercessor. When obeying God seems hard (like forgiving someone we don't want to) He will strengthen us and guide us through the process. I can remember a time when I struggled with forgiveness more than anything. But when I prayed in faith and made a decision to obey God's command, He graciously released me from that struggle.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5–6
Jesus said obeying His commands is an integral part of loving Him. Obedience comes by taking one faithful step at a time, and every obedient decision we make becomes an opportunity to trust God more! Christ follower, is God speaking to you about obeying one of His commands you've been ignoring?
Choose obedience, trust God, then ask Him to guide you through the process!