Emphasis Preaching Journal

Children often test their parents when told to do something. They ask, "Why should I?" The mother of the teenager was wearing a new T-shirt. The writing on it said, "Because I'm your mother, that's why."

When we're in a living, loving relationship, we do not see commands as demanding. Instead, we see the commands as part of the relationship of trust and concern shown for us by the one who has authority over us.

We obey Christ's commands trusting that the Spirit of Truth guides us, Christ lives in us, and we are loved by the Father.
- Garrison