OBEDIENCE - THE CONDITION OF FRIENDSHIP

Obedience - The Condition of Friendship 

Jennifer Woodley

‘You are my friends if you do what I command you.’ John 15:14 (NRSV)

Friendship with Jesus. 

What a privilege He offers to us and truly a goal worth pursuing! 

Yet there is a cost and for many, it is too high. Obedience is the proof of our love towards the Father. We deceive ourselves if we say we are friends of God and love Him, yet do not obey what He asks (1 John 1:3-5).

But what does it mean to obey Jesus? 

Obedience is believing and exercising His promises in our life. 

Obedience is an assurance that what we ask for in Jesus’ name, will be given to us. 

It assures us that we are abiding in the love of Christ. It is proof of our love for God and faith in Him. Obedience comes from Love Himself and leads us back to His love. 

We can do nothing to glorify the Father without His help, and this includes seeking His grace to obey all He asks of us.

Obedience gives us the full experience of God’s promise, ‘never will I leave you.’ 

Without obedience, we will grieve our Heavenly Father and never experience the abundant blessing of His abiding presence. 

To the obedient disciple, Jesus says, 

‘And remember, I am with you always.’ (Matthew 28:20).

Do we find ourselves struggling to obey? 

Cease striving in our own strength and seek the Father. 

We can do all He asks of us as He strengthens us. 

We need Jesus’ help to obey Him. 

And with that help, His commandments become not burdensome, but easy and light. 

Seek Jesus. Seek to obey. Seek to be His friend.

Jennifer is an Australian freelance writer who enjoys encouraging others on their journey with Jesus. Contact