John 14:15-17 NKJV, AMP
Jesus continued His final teaching to His disciples before His death: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (v.15). What a powerful statement! It contains two key principles of Christianity – loving Him and keeping His commandments. How often have we said, “Love is action?” Well, Jesus was saying to His disciples that they are expected to show their love for Him. Consider, God created man in His own image to be in relationship with Him to bring Him glory by faithfully living a life of righteousness. Therefore, Jesus stated that His disciples’ love for Him is based on the condition of their obedience to His commandments. The NKJV note on v.15 says: “Genuine love for Jesus results in genuine obedience.” 1 John 5:3 says: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”
Jesus was soon to depart from earth, but He continued teaching His disciples, telling them they will not be left alone. He promised them the Father will give them another helper that will always be with them. What an expression of love! He taught (AMP): “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— (v.16) the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you” (v.17).
Lift your voice and shout, “Glory!”