From Handbook to God’s Promises
The Promises of God’s Written Word
1 John 5:3: A Light Load
John’s belief that the Lord’s commands are not burdensome can seem puzzling. If the Bible says, “There is no righteous person, not even one” (Romans 3:10), then how can we follow God’s commands? How can we as imperfect people even begin to obey perfect laws?
First John 5:4 provides the answer. When we are born of God, we can overcome the world, and with the Holy Spirit’s indwelling we desire to please our Savior. The Spirit lightens our load so that God’s commands turn from burdens into blessings. Even if we cannot keep the requirements of the law perfectly, we delight in them (Psalm 119:16, 24, 47) because they offer us guidance, forgiveness, and freedom.