Bible

His Commandments Are Not Burdensome

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3)

That’s a truth worth meditating upon throughout the day. My Creator’s commandments are not burdensome. His heart is not set on weighing me down. His aim is not to keep me from anything that is good for me. He has revealed his commandments to us because he is for us. His commandments, rather than being a loathsome burden, are expressions of his perfect love.

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Far from burdensome, it’s what we need to hear as his creation.

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image.” Far from burdensome, it’s a guardrail to keep us from self-centered foolishness.

“Honor your father and your mother.” Far from burdensome, it’s a foundational stepping stone to learning respect for authority.

“You shall not murder.” Far from burdensome, it’s fundamental to human flourishing.

“You shall not commit adultery.” Far from burdensome, it’s a hedge to protect the most intimate relationship we can enjoy with another human being.

“You shall not steal.” Far from burdensome, it’s one of the most easily understood applications of the Golden Rule.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” Far from burdensome, it’s the great and first commandment of the God who loves us enough to send his only Son to rescue us.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Far from burdensome, it’s a supporting beam of the Law and the Prophets that served as a tutor to lead us to our Savior.

On and on and on examples could be given to verify this truth: my Creator’s commandments are not burdensome. He warns because he cares. He exhorts because he cherishes. He commands because he loves.

Having been loved first, may we walk in the light of this truth today:

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3)

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