You prove your love for God by your obedience to God. This isn’t about working to earn God’s approval, but rather demonstrating your commitment to Christ. If you love Him, you will obey His commands (John 14:15). We don’t do the works we do in obedience to God to earn His favor. Instead, we obey out of an appreciation of His favor for us.
It’s not about a works-based salvation, but a recognition that true salvation will encompass works done out of our love for Jesus. No one who refuses to love God will obey His commands. The works you do in obedience to your Lord are the evidence of a genuine salvation. You prove your love by surrendering your life and living for Him.
If salvation is by grace, then why would you need to prove your love? Genuine love is something that you always express and demonstrate. When you say you love your spouse, family member, or friend, you are going to do things that show that person how much you love them. Lip service is never enough. It’s easy to say, “I love you”, but far harder to live as if it is true. You prove your love to the object of your affection by doing things that show your love for them.
If you claim to love Christ but live your life loving the things of this world, then your love for Jesus is not genuine. You cannot love the things of this world and love God at the same time (1 John 2:15). You can’t live in disobedience to Christ and genuinely say you love Him (John 14:15). God knows your heart. When you obey Him, you prove your love for Him to yourself and to a watching world. God already knows whether or not you love Him.
Proving your love for Christ brings Him honor and glory. It shows you will stand for Him in a world determined to knock you down. Your obedience to Christ sets you apart. People will see you are different. They will want what you have because different stands out. Different draws attention. Once you’ve captured their attention, you have a platform from which to tell them about Jesus and share His glorious gospel with them. You won’t get that opportunity if you spend your life blending in with the crowd.
If you claim to love Jesus, I challenge you to prove it. Obey His Word and live your life wholly devoted to Him. Prove your love for Jesus by becoming the person He created you to be. Shine His light into the darkest corners of this world, no matter what it might cost you. If you Love Him, there is no price you won’t pay to please Him and be with Him. Don’t be a Christian in word only because there’s no value in that. You’ll die in the same Hell as those who reject Christ outright. Prove your love for Jesus by your obedience, surrender, and unyielding pursuit of His holiness.