Barb's Bits - Walking in Obedience: Love that Overcomes fear

When the Holy Spirit nudges us, sometimes with a whisper, sometimes with a stirring deep in our hear, what do we do? Too often, fear, hesitation, or avoidance take over. Yet Jesus Christ calls us to live a life of obedience, not rooted in fear, but in deep love and commitment to Him.Obedience is not a burden. It is the natural outflow of a heart captured by the love of our Lord and Savior. As we grow in faith through study, prayer, meditation, and action, we discover that true obedience is fueled by love and strengthened by Jesus’ authority.

Three Commands of Jesus

1. Love Him Above All Else

Why? Because He has all authority.  Authority over our world culture, over truth itself, over every power of darkness. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:3 Our first call is upward, placing Jesus above everything else. To love Him fully means surrendering our will to His, trusting Him with our fears, and resting in His presence.

2. Love Our Neighbors

Our neighbors may live under cultural relativism, believing “their truth” instead of God’s absolute truth. We do not approve of sin, but we are commanded to love them as we love ourselves. The second is similar but different: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:39 Our second call is outward. Love in action may look like kindness, forgiveness, or sharing a meal. Obedience to Jesus always takes the shape of love.

3. Go, Baptize, and Teach the Nations

Once people begin to see God’s truth, they are invited into new life through baptism—dying to themselves and to cultural lies, raised into life with the Holy Spirit.“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19–20 This is a command, not a suggestion. And before Jesus gave it, He declared: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew 28:18 That authority means He rules over creation, nations, kings, and every detail of our lives. Nothing is outside His reign.

Why Authority Matters

Obedience is not about us trying harder.  It’s about trusting the One who holds all power. When fear whispers, “What if I fail?” or hesitation asks, “What if they reject me?” we respond: “My Lord has all authority, and I walk in His name.”If Jesus truly is Lord of all, then He is also Lord over my schedule, my relationships, my decisions, my finances, my thoughts and actions and my future. To obey Him is to rest under His covering and live in His strength.

Are you walking in obedience to the world’s cultural truth?  Or, to the promptings of the Holy Spirit that align with God’s truth?Obedience today might mean:- Accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior.- Reaching out to a neighbor in need.- Deepening your rhythm of prayer and scripture study.- Sharing your faith story with someone searching for hope.The question is not just: Do you love Jesus?

The question is: Will your love move you to obey Him without fear,

knowing He has all authority?

Reflection Questions

How has the Holy Spirit been prompting you recently?

Are there areas where you’ve been avoiding obedience out of fear, hesitation, or comfort?How does remembering Jesus’ authority give you courage to obey?

Have you accepted Him as your Savior for eternal life? If not, what holds you back?

How can you show your love today—by loving God, loving your neighbor, or making disciples?