Love is supreme

In John 14:15, it says "If you love me, you will obey what I command."

One way to see this verse is almost as a challenge. In effect, Jesus could be saying, "I you love me, prove it by being obedient." This understanding of the verse reinforces a rule-based, performance-focused faith.

And it is completely wrong.

In the Greek, this verse is what is known as a third class condition. In this kind of "if . . . then" structure, the first part of the sentence (the "if" clause" is understood as probable but not guaranteed. In other words, Jesus is saying, "If you love me, which you probably will, but just might not do, then you will obey what I command."

The important part, though is the "then" clause. In this type of sentence structure, the "then" clause is understood as the inevitable result of the "if" clause. In other words, if we love Jesus then we will have no choice but to obey Him. It won't be a result of our effort and self-discipline, it will be the easy and natural outflow of a life in love with Him.

Obedience without love makes us Pharisees.
Love without obedience is impossible.

When we find ourselves struggling with sin, the real issue is that we are not in love with Jesus enough. So the answer is not to focus on changing our behavior. The answer is to love the Lord more.

If we love Him, obedience will flow from us like water in a river.