Love Me | John Piper

An episode of the Reformed Thinking podcast, hosted by Edison Wu, titled "Love Me | John Piper" was published on July 26, 2025 and runs 19 minutes.

July 26, 2025 ·19m · Reformed Thinking

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Summary

Deep Dive into All That Jesus Commanded by John Piper - Love MeJohn Piper's "Love Me" explains that love for Jesus is a profound, commanded emotion, not just an act of will or outward deeds. He argues against the idea that feelings cannot be commanded, pointing out that Jesus explicitly commands emotions such as rejoicing, fearing, and forgiving from the heart. This demonstrates that our emotional life is a necessary and commanded aspect of Christian faith.The love Jesus demands is characterized by deep affection, admiration for His attributes, enjoyment of His fellowship, and attraction to His presence. This love must also surpass the deep affections we hold for our closest family members, such as parents or children, underscoring its ultimate priority. While love for Jesus inevitably produces obedience, it is distinct from it; love is the fundamental root from which obedience flows, rather than being synonymous with keeping commandments.This capacity for deep love is not found in our fallen human nature. Instead, it originates from a "new nature" or "new heart" that Jesus provides through the new birth and faith, enabling us to become children of God with new inclinations centered on Him.Great love for Jesus is awakened through experiencing His prior, forgiving love. As illustrated by the parable of the two debtors, those who recognize and receive much forgiveness will love much. Our love for Jesus is a response, brought about when we see His glory and taste the sweetness of His forgiving love after our hearts are broken over sin.To be "worthy" of Jesus in this context does not mean earning Him, but rather that our affections and behaviors are suitable and fit for His infinite worth. Ultimately, Jesus commands this love because He is infinitely worthy, and our loving Him involves enjoying His glory, presence, and care, making the command itself an overflow of His love for us.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730

Episode Description

Deep Dive into All That Jesus Commanded by John Piper - Love Me

John Piper's "Love Me" explains that love for Jesus is a profound, commanded emotion, not just an act of will or outward deeds. He argues against the idea that feelings cannot be commanded, pointing out that Jesus explicitly commands emotions such as rejoicing, fearing, and forgiving from the heart. This demonstrates that our emotional life is a necessary and commanded aspect of Christian faith.

The love Jesus demands is characterized by deep affection, admiration for His attributes, enjoyment of His fellowship, and attraction to His presence. This love must also surpass the deep affections we hold for our closest family members, such as parents or children, underscoring its ultimate priority. While love for Jesus inevitably produces obedience, it is distinct from it; love is the fundamental root from which obedience flows, rather than being synonymous with keeping commandments.

This capacity for deep love is not found in our fallen human nature. Instead, it originates from a "new nature" or "new heart" that Jesus provides through the new birth and faith, enabling us to become children of God with new inclinations centered on Him.

Great love for Jesus is awakened through experiencing His prior, forgiving love. As illustrated by the parable of the two debtors, those who recognize and receive much forgiveness will love much. Our love for Jesus is a response, brought about when we see His glory and taste the sweetness of His forgiving love after our hearts are broken over sin.

To be "worthy" of Jesus in this context does not mean earning Him, but rather that our affections and behaviors are suitable and fit for His infinite worth. Ultimately, Jesus commands this love because He is infinitely worthy, and our loving Him involves enjoying His glory, presence, and care, making the command itself an overflow of His love for us.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730