Obedience: God’s Love Language

Posted on by Dolly's Sharing

What is Obedience?

Obedience is defined as hearing God’s Word and putting it into practice (James 1:22). It’s more than just following rules – it’s a heartfelt response to God’s love. Obedience means choosing to align our thoughts, actions and decisions with His will as revealed through Scripture, the gentle prompting of the Holy spirit, and the deepening of our relationship with Him.

Where Obedience comes from?

True obedience flows from love, trust and reverence, not from obligation or fear. It’s the natural overflow of a heart that longs to walk closely with God. Saying “Yes” to Him even when it’s difficult is how we show our love and devotion. So, let’s pause and ask ourselves: Do we love God? And how are we showing that love today?

Obedience isn’t about perfection – it’s about pursuing God daily, with a heart that says, “Lord, I want to honour You, even in my weakness.” It’s about walking in His direction, choosing full obedience, even in the midst of struggles. He isn’t looking for flawless performance, but for surrendered hearts that keep turning toward Him.

A biblical example: Saul and Samuel

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience. A powerful example is found in 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel confronts King Saul for disobeying God’s direct command. Instead of fully carrying out God’s instructions, Saul spared King Agag and kept the best of the livestock. He then tried to justify his actions by saying the animals were meant for sacrifice. But God wasn’t interested in rituals – He was seeking Saul’s wholehearted obedience.

1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV) – “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams”

Key Lessons

Obedience Over Religious Activity: Real worship requires a surrendered heart; outward acts of worship are meaningless without true submission. Saul’s response showed a disregard for God’s command. Additionally, participating in religious activities while ignoring God’s voice undermines genuine worship.

Obedience Reflects the Heart: Sacrifice can attract attention, but obedience stems from trust and love. Saul’s disobedience revealed a heart driven by fear, as he prioritized people over God’s instruction. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience is love in action, surrendering our desires to trust God’s higher ways.

Partial Obedience is still Disobedience: Saul followed some of God’s command, but not all. His selective obedience was a form of rebellion. Both partial and delayed obedience are still disobedience. True surrender means following God completely and immediately, not just when it suits us.

Obedience is the Truest Worship: True worship goes beyond songs or services; it’s about saying “yes” to God, even at a cost. Obedience holds more weight than ritual and pleases God’s heart. He values our willingness to listen over our gifts. Saul’s story illustrates this – though the spared animals were offered, it wasn’t what God desired. God sought obedience, reminding us that true worship begins with a surrendered heart.

Obedience is God’s Love Language

True obedience is the evidence of true worship. It’s in those sacred moments of surrender when we lay down our will for His, that our love for Him is most authentically expressed. While sacrifices can impress people, it is obedience that truly pleases God; without a heart honouring Him through obedience, sacrifices and religious acts mean nothing.

At its core, obedience isn’t about performance – it’s about relationship and response to God. It’s not something we produce on our own, but a Spirit-empowered act of faith. God, in His grace, has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us (Ezekiel 36:27), giving us both the desire and strength to walk in obedience – not by striving, but by surrendering.

Obedience often requires trust before understanding; it is the evidence of our faith (Hebrews 11:8). And we look to Jesus, our perfect example, who “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). His obedience was costly, yet complete. In obeying, we follow His footsteps, learning to submit fully to the Father just as Jesus did.

In conclusion, obedience is God’s love language because He desires to fill us with His fullness. Through it, we align with His perfect will and step into the abundant life He has for us. This is beautifully captured in Ephesians 3:19, “… and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” This is God’s heart for us – to live a life overflowing with His presence, love and purpose. May our hearts be quick to say “yes” to Him – fully, faithfully and with love.

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