In the process of preparing a message on John 15:9-17 (“The Joy of Being a Friend of Jesus), I am struck by the interweaving of love and obedience. In reading I’ve run across these quotes:
“For these two things are continually united, that faith which perceives the undeserved love of Christ toward us, and a good conscience and newness of life. And, indeed, Christ does not reconcile believers to the Father, that they may indulge in wickedness without reserve, and without punishment; but that, governing them by his Spirit, he may keep them under the authority and dominion of his Father.” (John Calvin at John 15:10)
“It is when a man keeps keeps Christ’s commandments that he abides in Christ’s love.” (Leon Morris, The Gospel According to John [NICNT], p. 673)