John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

As the father of a 2-year-old, I’m constantly telling her to follow instructions. If she doesn’t follow instructions, she’ll experience consequences, but if she follows instructions, good things will happen. These are simple instructions, but a lot of us need to heed the same advice.

The word of God is a book of instructions. When we follow these instructions in context, we’ll experience good things. However, when we choose to disregard His instructions, we can expect consequences. God’s word instructs us to love, forgive, give, be a blessing, and more. As we follow His commands, our lives will be prosperous and full of joy. If we don’t, there are several consequences we’ll experience such as, long-term emotional hurt, a distrusting spirit; we’ll miss out on financial prosperity and favor, and more.

We are to follow God’s instructions, but praise God for grace and mercy. If we miss the mark or have a stubborn moment, praise God for blessing us when we don’t deserve it (grace) and stopping us from being punished (mercy). Let’s simply follow His instructions and experience God’s best.