John 14:23-29
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.”
“Whoever loves me will keep my word.”
To keep His word is to abide by His commandments — the ten Mosaic commandments, the “greatest” commandment, as well as the “new” commandment to love one another.
Is it that difficult to keep His word by being good?
Not only is being good good for others and society, it is also good for our own selves — our physical and psychological wellbeing. After all, God would not ask us to do something that is harmful to us.
All of which could explain why studies have shown that:
- Although the “Covid pandemic” took its toll in mental health on many, including school children, religious Americans are the only group whose mental health actually improved.
- Being kind, doing good deeds, is good for our own health.
- Regular church attendance reduces suicide risk by half.
- Religious people live four years longer than atheists.
- College students with high levels of religious involvement and commitment report better emotional and mental health than those with little or no involvement.
- Those who are religious are better able to deal with and manage chronic pain.
Keeping His word is good for us!
May the peace of Jesus Christ our Lord be with you,
~E