A Love Letter, Not a Rule Book

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” - John 14:15

Many people approach the Bible expecting pressure. You open it and brace yourself for rules, corrections, or reminders of where you fall short. Over time, Scripture can start to feel like a checklist you never quite complete. When that happens, reading becomes heavy instead of life-giving. God never intended His Word to function that way. From the beginning, it was meant to be relational, not restrictive.

Rules without relationship always feel cold. Relationship gives context to obedience. When God speaks through Scripture, He is not trying to control you. He is revealing His heart. His Word shows you who He is, how He loves, and what leads to life. Obedience flows naturally when trust is present. You do not follow commands to earn love. You follow because you are already loved.

Think about how a love letter works. You do not read it to check requirements. You read it to know the person who wrote it. You linger over the words because they reveal care, intention, and desire for closeness. Scripture works the same way when you approach it with the right posture. God is not standing over you with a clipboard. He is inviting you closer, speaking truth that protects, guides, and strengthens you.

When Scripture feels restrictive, it is often because the relationship has drifted. Distance turns guidance into obligation. Closeness turns instruction into wisdom. God’s commands are not fences meant to limit joy. They are boundaries meant to preserve it. He knows what harms you and what leads to fullness. His Word reflects that care. Every correction carries purpose. Every instruction points toward life.

If you have been avoiding Scripture or reading it with tension, pause and reset your approach. Ask God to help you see His heart again. Read slowly. Listen personally. Let His Word speak to you, not just instruct you. You were never meant to relate to God through rules alone. He wants intimacy, trust, and conversation. Scripture is not a rule book handed down from a distance. It is a love letter written by a Father who wants you close.