Holding on to his teaching and putting it into practice

Agreeing with his teaching but leaving it unused

Following only the parts that feel easiest

Love for Jesus is shown by following his instruction

That person is praised by others because of their devotion

Learn his teaching and put it into practice, even when it interrupts your plans

Agree with his teaching in principle and wait for a better time to obey

Show devotion mainly by speaking about him in public, while leaving hard commands aside

Treat his instruction as guidance for other people, not for you personally

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I confess that I have sinned and not loved you as I should. I need your mercy, and I turn from my sin today. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord and ask you to make me yours. Teach me to love you by following your words. Thank you for receiving me. Amen.

Receive Jesus and Begin to Follow

Father, revive your Church with a living love for Jesus. Where we have settled for words without obedience, wake us up again. Give us hearts that treasure his instruction, lives that practice it, and courage that makes Christ known to the world. Restore our first love and draw us close to your Son, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Renew Our Love Through Obedience

Lord, thank you that love for Jesus is not ignored or forgotten. Thank you for the Father's love, for Jesus' own love, and for the gift of being known by him as we follow his word. Let gratitude shape my obedience, and let your kindness deepen my trust, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank You for Loving the One Who Loves You

Pray by naming one teaching of Jesus you have heard but not yet practiced. Ask the Father for help to obey it today, and ask Jesus to make himself known to you as you follow.

Pray Through One Teaching

Pray over these topics: one instruction of Jesus you want to remember; one habit where obedience is difficult; one area where you long to know Christ more clearly; one simple step you can take this week.

Seek Clearer Obedience

Father, forgive me for loving the idea of following Jesus more than actually following him. I turn from selective obedience and ask you to give me a whole heart. Teach me to keep your Son's words, and help me trust the love you promise to the one who loves him, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Turn From Selective Obedience

ὁ{ho###hoh###whoever} ἔχων{E-khon###EH-khon###has} τὰς{TAS###TAHS###the} ἐντολάς{en-to-LAS###ehn-toh-LAHS###commandments} μου{moo###moo###my} καὶ{KE###keh###and} τηρῶν{tee-RON###tee-ROHN###keeping} αὐτὰς{af-TAS###ahf-TAHS###them} ἐκεῖνός{e-KEE-NOS###eh-kee-NOHS###that one} ἐστιν{ES-tin###EHS-tihn###is} ὁ{ho###hoh###the one who} ἀγαπῶν{a-ga-PON###ah-ghah-POHN###loves} με·{me###meh###me} ὁ{ho###hoh###the one who} δὲ{DE###deh###but} ἀγαπῶν{a-ga-PON###ah-ghah-POHN###loves} με{me###meh###me} ἀγαπηθήσεται{a-ga-pee-THEE-se-te###ah-ghah-pee-THEH-seh-teh###will be loved} ὑπὸ{hee-PO###hee-POH###by} τοῦ{too###too###of the} πατρός{pa-TROS###pah-TROHS###Father} μου,{moo###moo###my} κἀγὼ{ka-GO###kah-GOH###and I} ἀγαπήσω{a-ga-PEE-so###ah-ghah-PEE-soh###I will love} αὐτὸν{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###him} καὶ{KE###keh###and} ἐμφανίσω{em-fa-NEE-so###ehm-fah-NEE-soh###I will manifest} αὐτῷ{af-TO###ahf-TOH###to him} ἐμαυτόν.{e-maf-TON###eh-mahf-TOHN###myself}

John 14:21 — LiteralTAB

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