Walking in Love
02/16/2026
“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” — 2 John 1:6 (NIV)
Love is one of the most used and misunderstood words in our culture. We say we love tacos, love football, love vacations. But John writes about a love that is much deeper, something weightier: “This is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.”
When was the last time you really considered those words? “Walk in obedience to His commands.“
See love is not merely a feeling. It is not a fleeting emotion that rises and falls with circumstances. According to Scripture, love is something you walk in. It is a daily pattern. A steady direction. A lifestyle of obedience.
And if you stop and think about walking for just a minute you will see what I mean. Walking is not dramatic. It is not flashy. But it is consistent. One step after another. Over and over again. Nobody applauds you for walking across your living room or around the block. It’s ordinary. But over time, walking takes you somewhere.
In the same way, love is not proven in grand gestures alone. It is proven in daily obedience. It’s choosing patience when irritation feels justified. It’s speaking truth when silence would be easier. It’s forgiving when pride wants to hold a grudge. It’s showing up for someone when you’d rather withdraw.
I remember counseling a man who kept saying, “We just don’t feel in love anymore.” Their emotions had cooled. After several sessions I concluded that what was missing wasn’t romance—it was obedience. They both had stopped doing the small, consistent things that love requires. I asked him to just start doing the little things again. Shortly after, his wife started doing them again too. You see, when they began choosing kindness again, choosing respect again, choosing selflessness again, the feelings followed the obedience.
Love is not sustained by emotion. Love is sustained by alignment with God’s commands.
And notice what John says: “As you have heard from the beginning.” This isn’t new. From the very beginning of our faith journey, Jesus made it clear. Love God. Love people. Walk in love.
As a pastor, I’ve seen this truth lived out in quiet faithfulness. The man who cares for his ailing wife year after year. The woman who prays daily for her prodigal child. The church member who serves behind the scenes without recognition. That is love. Not loud. Not performative. But obedient.
Walking in love means your feet follow Jesus even when your feelings don’t.
Action Steps for today:
• Ask yourself: Is there someone I need to show love to through action, not just words?
• Identify one command of Christ you’ve been hesitant to obey—and take a step toward obedience today.
• Send a text, make a call, or offer forgiveness where the Holy Spirit is prompting you.
Today’s Challenge:
Take one intentional step of obedience that costs you something. Let your love be visible in action.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for showing us what love truly is. Not just words, not just emotion, but obedience rooted in truth. Help us to walk in love today. Give us strength when it’s difficult, humility when pride rises, and courage when obedience feels costly. May our lives reflect the love of Christ in every step we take. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” — 2 John 1:6 (NIV)
Love is one of the most used and misunderstood words in our culture. We say we love tacos, love football, love vacations. But John writes about a love that is much deeper, something weightier: “This is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.”
When was the last time you really considered those words? “Walk in obedience to His commands.“
See love is not merely a feeling. It is not a fleeting emotion that rises and falls with circumstances. According to Scripture, love is something you walk in. It is a daily pattern. A steady direction. A lifestyle of obedience.
And if you stop and think about walking for just a minute you will see what I mean. Walking is not dramatic. It is not flashy. But it is consistent. One step after another. Over and over again. Nobody applauds you for walking across your living room or around the block. It’s ordinary. But over time, walking takes you somewhere.
In the same way, love is not proven in grand gestures alone. It is proven in daily obedience. It’s choosing patience when irritation feels justified. It’s speaking truth when silence would be easier. It’s forgiving when pride wants to hold a grudge. It’s showing up for someone when you’d rather withdraw.
I remember counseling a man who kept saying, “We just don’t feel in love anymore.” Their emotions had cooled. After several sessions I concluded that what was missing wasn’t romance—it was obedience. They both had stopped doing the small, consistent things that love requires. I asked him to just start doing the little things again. Shortly after, his wife started doing them again too. You see, when they began choosing kindness again, choosing respect again, choosing selflessness again, the feelings followed the obedience.
Love is not sustained by emotion. Love is sustained by alignment with God’s commands.
And notice what John says: “As you have heard from the beginning.” This isn’t new. From the very beginning of our faith journey, Jesus made it clear. Love God. Love people. Walk in love.
As a pastor, I’ve seen this truth lived out in quiet faithfulness. The man who cares for his ailing wife year after year. The woman who prays daily for her prodigal child. The church member who serves behind the scenes without recognition. That is love. Not loud. Not performative. But obedient.
Walking in love means your feet follow Jesus even when your feelings don’t.
Action Steps for today:
• Ask yourself: Is there someone I need to show love to through action, not just words?
• Identify one command of Christ you’ve been hesitant to obey—and take a step toward obedience today.
• Send a text, make a call, or offer forgiveness where the Holy Spirit is prompting you.
Today’s Challenge:
Take one intentional step of obedience that costs you something. Let your love be visible in action.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for showing us what love truly is. Not just words, not just emotion, but obedience rooted in truth. Help us to walk in love today. Give us strength when it’s difficult, humility when pride rises, and courage when obedience feels costly. May our lives reflect the love of Christ in every step we take. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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