Why God Gave Us Rules: Protecting Us with Love

Why does God give us rules to follow if He loves us? This is a common question that many people have, especially when they are faced with seemingly restrictive commandments. It is important to understand that God's rules are not meant to harm us but, rather, to protect us and guide us toward a better life. Just as your parents give you rules as you grow up, God's rules are intended to make us better people.

Notice that the Bible states, as recorded in Matthew 22:30, we will be like the angels in heaven. By following God's word, we prepare ourselves for this eternal state of perfection. This is the essence of salvation and everlasting life.

Do God's Rules Come from Love?

Is it possible that your parents hate you because they told you not to put your fingers in electrical sockets or to check both ways before crossing the street? Of course, not. Nearly all the individuals who had good parents would agree that their parents gave them rules out of concern for their safety. These rules are not implemented to harm the children, but precisely to protect them from harm and to prevent them from harming others.

Similarly, God is like a normal parent. He loves us and does not wish to see our lives ruined. Therefore, He gives us rules to follow, not to harm us but to protect us. Let us explore God's Ten Commandments, which are meant to protect us:

You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me

Do not worship any other gods beside God. He is a jealous God, and He will punish the children for the sins of their parents, but He will show His love to those who love Him and keep His commandments.

You Shall Not Misuse the Name of the Lord Your God

Do not take God’s name in vain. He will not forgive anyone who misuses His name.

Remember the Sabbath and Keep It Holy

Observe the Sabbath day as a day of rest. Work six days, but rest on the seventh day. This is a day dedicated to the Lord your God, who created the heavens, the earth, and everything in them.

Honor Your Father and Mother

Respect and honor your father and mother so that you may live long in the land God is giving you.

You Shall Not Murder, Commit Adultery, Steal, or Give False Testimony

Do not commit these sins, for they can result in severe consequences. Murder can lead to hanging. Adultery can ruin marriages. Stealing can result in imprisonment.

You Shall Not Covet Anything Belonging to Your Neighbor

Avoid coveting your neighbor's house, wife, male or female servant, ox, donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. These sins can lead to significant troubles.

Can We Be Free from Sin?

No, the Israelites proved over a thousand years that even with God's good commands, they were still incapable of living sin-free lives. Human nature continues to fail in adhering to all moral rules. We are sinful and incapable of being free from sin, which is why Jesus, the Son of God who never sinned, had to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our salvation.

To be declared "sin-free" in God's eyes, all we need to do is pray to Jesus, ask for His forgiveness, and He will make our sins as white as snow, washing them away completely.

Conclusion

Understanding why God gives us rules is crucial. These rules are not ponderous or oppressive but are loving directives to ensure our safety, moral growth, and ultimate salvation. God's love for us is profound and unwavering, which is why He guides us with these loving commandments.