“If you love me, keep my commands.” – John 14:15
The Importance of His Commands
As we travel through our faith, we see how important God’s commands are. These commands are not made to bind us but to guide us toward a life full of love, purpose, and relationship with Him. They show us how to genuinely love our neighbors and ourselves. When we break these commandments, we miss out on the blessings that come from living according to God’s will. By following His rules, we can experience peace and joy that transcend our daily struggles. It reminds us that His love for us is deep and that obeying Him is an expression of our love back to Him.
Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:3
Matthew 22:37
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'” – Matthew 22:37
James 2:10
“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” – James 2:10
Deuteronomy 5:29
“Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always.” – Deuteronomy 5:29
1 John 2:4
“Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.” – 1 John 2:4
Breaking God’s commands can lead us to various consequences that affect our lives. We should not forget that God’s rules are meant for our protection. When we stray from them, we may face misunderstandings, broken relationships, and spiritual disconnection from Him. These consequences serve to remind us of the importance of living in accordance to His will. It’s a sobering thought that when we choose to disregard these commands, we are choosing a harder path. However, God is always ready to forgive and loves us back into relationship with Him. The beauty lies in His grace, which allows us to start anew.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
Proverbs 13:15
“Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.” – Proverbs 13:15
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Hebrews 10:26
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.” – Hebrews 10:26
Grace Through Faith
In our lives, we may find ourselves breaking the commandments unintentionally or even knowingly. However, we are truly blessed because through faith in Jesus, we have access to grace. This grace is not a license to sin, but it is a constant reminder that we do not have to be perfect to be loved by God. His grace pulls us back toward Him and helps us to strive for living right. It encourages us to improve ourselves every day. In moments of weakness when we fail, we are reminded that we can return to Him, and He will always welcome us back with open arms.
Ephesians 2:8
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8
Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” – Titus 2:11
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Colossians 1:14
“In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:14
Guidance in Difficult Times
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and we may find it challenging to follow God’s commands. During these times, we are called to lean into Him for strength and guidance. We know that when we stumble, we are not alone; God is always near, urging us to turn back to Him. His Word serves as a light on our path, guiding our decisions and actions. When we seek wisdom from God, we grow in understanding and can resist the temptations that lead us to break the commandments. We can be assured that He is faithful, and He equips us with everything we need to navigate life’s challenges in a way that honors Him.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” – Isaiah 41:10
Restoration and New Beginnings
No matter how many times we may break His commandments, God offers us the beautiful opportunity for restoration. The desire of His heart is to bring us back into fellowship with Him. We can always turn to Him for mercy and a fresh start. When we sincerely repent, we receive the promise of restoration, paving the way for us to live a life aligned with His glorious will. This new beginning reinstates our hope and serves as a reminder of His endless love and grace. It’s never too late to surrender our will and seek to honor Him with our lives.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” – Isaiah 43:18-19
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
Living in Obedience
Finally, as we strive to walk in faith, we find that the best approach to avoiding breaking the commandments is to actively live in obedience to God. Through prayer, reading His Word, and participating in fellowship, we grow closer to Him and become more attuned to His commands. Obedience is not about being perfect but rather about cultivating a heart that seeks God and desires to please Him. By prioritizing obedience in our lives, we join in His work, and we become vessels of His love in the world around us.
John 14:21
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” – John 14:21
1 Peter 1:14
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” – 1 Peter 1:14
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21
John 15:10
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” – John 15:10
Philippians 2:12
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” – Philippians 2:12
Final Thoughts
Throughout our exploration of breaking the commandments and the consequences that arise from them, we have seen that God’s commands exist for our well-being and to foster a deeper relationship with Him. It’s crucial for us to understand that breaking His commands can lead us away from the joyful life He has planned for us. Yet, even in our failures, God offers us grace and restoration, reminding us that He loves us unconditionally. We are encouraged to live in obedience, as it leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful journey. Let’s embrace the grace offered to us and strive to align our lives with God’s will, knowing that He is always with us, ready to guide us back to Him.
If you’re looking for more insights, consider reading about the laws of man or explore laws in the Bible. There is so much wisdom waiting for us across various topics in His Word!