Paul wrote, “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!” (1 Cor. 16:22). What does it mean to love the Lord? Let Jesus answer: “If you love Me, keep My commandments…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” (Jn. 14:15, 21).

Love of the Lord involves obedience to His will. If we are not obedient, we will not be saved (Heb. 5:9; 2 Thes. 1:7-9). Thus, we see our love is not simply an emotion. It is a submission to His commands. From this submission comes the emotion of joy (Acts 8:36-39).

So, do you love the Lord? Have you sanctified Christ as Lord in your heart (1 Pet. 3:15)? Have you submitted to His will by believing, repenting of your sins, confessing Him as the Son of God, and being baptized to have your sins washed away (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 22:16)?

Steven F. Deaton