The Dwelling Place of Divine Love
“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” - John 14:23 (KJV)
These words were spoken in the intimacy of the upper room, as Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure. Anxiety lingered in the air. Yet instead of offering mere reassurance, Christ unveiled a profound promise: obedience born of love becomes the dwelling place of God.
Jesus begins with love. “If a man love me…” Love is not sentimental feeling, but covenant devotion. It is allegiance of heart expressed through faithful response. To love Christ is to treasure His voice, to trust His authority, and to receive His words as life. Obedience, then, is not cold compliance; it is the natural fruit of affection for Him.
“He will keep my words.” Keeping implies guarding, preserving, and practicing. Christ’s teaching is not admired from a distance but embodied in daily living. Love that does not shape obedience remains incomplete. Yet obedience that flows from love is not burdensome, it is joyful participation in Christ’s will.
The promise that follows is staggering: “my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” The language echoes temple imagery. In the Old Testament, God’s presence dwelt among His people in sacred space. Now, through Christ, that dwelling becomes personal and relational. The believer becomes the habitation of divine fellowship.
This is not salvation by merit, but communion through love. The Father’s love rests upon those united to the Son, and the presence of God is experienced through obedient faith. God does not draw near because we are flawless, but because we are responsive.
John 14:23 calls us beyond superficial religion into abiding relationship. The Christian life is not merely following commands; it is hosting the presence of God in surrendered hearts.
Where love obeys, God makes His home.
Prayer:
God, deepen my love for You. Teach me to keep Your words with joy and reverence. Make my heart a dwelling place for Your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
