There is something about the way a child says “I love you” that carries a kind of purity you cannot ignore. When Rush was little, he had a way of blurting it out at the most unexpected times. I remember one particular trip to the grocery store when, completely unprompted, he wrapped his arms around me in the checkout line and said with full sincerity, “I love you, Mommy!” It was not quiet or shy—everyone around us heard it. And by the time we walked out, the entire line of strangers were smiling! That little burst of childlike love had created a ripple of joy that touched everyone.

That is the beauty of love when it is sincere—it cannot help but overflow! And I believe it is the same in our relationship with God. As His children, we are invited to love Him with that same kind of wholehearted sincerity. But Jesus makes it clear in this verse that love for Him is not just something we say or sing about. It is something we liveout. Our obedience is evidence of our love! It is the way our hearts respond to the One who first loved us.

Think about it this way: as parents, we don’t just want to hear the words “I love you.” We also want to see that love expressed in actions—in trust, in respect, in obedience. When my kids listen and obey, it brings joy to my heart because I know they are choosing to trust my love and my wisdom. In the same way, our obedience to God delights Him! It is not because He needs control, but because obedience is how we show that our love for Him is real.

And here is the thing—obedience is not always easy. Sometimes it means giving up something we want in the moment because we know God has something better. Sometimes it means forgiving when forgiveness feels impossible, ortrusting Him with our future when everything feels uncertain. Obedience often stretches us, because it requires surrender. But that is exactly why it is such a powerful act of love! It says, “God, I trust You more than I trust myself. I believe Your ways are higher than mine. I love You enough to follow, even when it is hard.”

I’ll admit there are times I have struggled with this. I have wanted to hold on to control, to do things my way, to delay obedience until it felt more convenient. But every time I have chosen surrender, I have found freedom on the other side. There is joy in knowing that I’m not just saying I love God—I’m showing it with my life! And I picture Him, like a proud Father, looking down with delight. Not because I got it all right, but because my love for Him led me to trust and obey.

At the end of the day, I want to be Daddy’s girl—the daughter who doesn’t just talk about love but lives it out in daily choices. I want to give Him the joy of knowing that His love is enough for me, that His ways are good, and that my heart is truly His!

Reflection Question: Where in your life is God asking you to show your love through obedience? What is one area you can surrender today as an act of love for your Heavenly Father?

Shine: Embracing God’s Heart For You

Start reading Amy Rienow’s book Shine: Embracing God’s Heart For You, with this FREE PDF download: VisionaryFam.com/Shine

Experience the complete Shine Online Course with Amy Rienow: VisionaryFam.com/Shop/Shine-Online-Bible-Study

Watch this episode of the Family Vision Podcast as Amy and her husband Rob Rienow explore more of these essential issues: The Ten Commandments: #1: No Other Gods Before Me