Unfortunately, many people have the wrong idea of obedience. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just. The choice to disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to ‘the slavery of sin’” (#1733).

Obedience is a good thing. Obeying God’s laws leads to supernatural joy and peace that we can’t find in anything that the world pretends to offer us. Jesus is our model for obedience and doing the will of God, Our Father. Here are some things that Jesus said we should try to imitate as we strive for true freedom.

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

Denying and picking up a cross means emptying myself of anything that interferes with growing closer to Jesus. When I empty myself, I create space to be filled with God’s grace and make room for the Holy Spirit to work through me. Most people don’t understand, until they experience it, that aligning our will with God’s will draws us closer to Him, increases our hope and builds faith that God loves us and always will.

“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Many people prioritize their family first, followed by friends and then strangers. However, seeing ourselves as beloved children of God makes it easier to see others as the same. In that respect, we are all family, regardless of bloodlines, and all deserve love. It’s true generosity when we love people who will not love us back. Giving, without expecting anything in return, is the unconditional love we are called to live.

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” (John 6:56).

Our relationship with Jesus doesn’t get more personal than receiving His Body and Blood at Mass. Jesus loves us so much that He wants to be physically united with us through the Eucharist in Holy Communion. Do you want a personal relationship with Jesus? Consider attending Mass daily in addition to Sundays.

“As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (John 13:34).

Previously, Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But now, we are to love our neighbors the way Jesus loves them. This is a much higher standard than loving our neighbor as ourselves. It means loving people we don’t know, loving people we don’t like, loving people who don’t like us, and showing them mercy. Start today by praying for people who annoy us.

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

If we receive the most important thing in life, wouldn’t we naturally want to tell others about it? If Jesus is the center of our life, tell others about it! Share our faith story with others. Don’t be afraid because we can’t quote the Bible or don’t know everything in the Catechism. No one can argue about our relationship with Jesus! Pray for the strength and courage to share our faith story. Like anything else, the more you do it, the easier it gets.

We are all sinners; however, with God’s grace and obedience to His will, we hope to become saints with Him forever.