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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

IF

June 28, 2010

Logically, the word, "if" asks a question, or presents a possibility. "If such 'n' such is true, then...." It's why IF and THEN so often travel together.

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"If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--the Spirit of truth."
- John 14:15-17 TNIV

In this case, the IF, not only is the conditional, but it's diagnostic as well. To say, "I love Jesus" implies obedience on our part. Certainly we do not want to reduce this to legalism, but it's awfully hard to use the word "love," and not see a corresponding action. In other words, to say, "I love you," but do a hateful thing to you....well, I think you get it!

One response to such a daunting teaching is to pray: "Lord, I do love you. Yet I pray that my love would lead to increasing obedience, to keeping your ways, your commands." Really, it's a big IF!
Joyfully,

Dale Patterson