What do we have to do to be close to God? There is no reason to put unnecessary obstacles in the path of those who seek God. Ritual, diet, clothing, and purity requirements can become an obstacle course for people to run through and often they get discouraged and give up. Those who met in Jerusalem kept requirements to a minimum: basic morality and justice were enough for a start of the spiritual journey. We should be careful not to put obstacles in the path of others or impose unrealistic expectations on them. God is about mercy and compassion.

Jesus assured his followers that it is not enough to say that one loves God - it must be evident in behaviour. In John, Jesus gave but one commandment: to love one another. When we love others in a giving and selfless way we have fulfilled the requirements of the law. Jesus promised something wonderful: when we obey the commandment of love consistently, Jesus and God the Father will come and actually dwell within us. What a promise! Why do we hesitate? If we really desire to feel the presence of God in our lives, then love is the answer, for God is love. We cannot buy, work, earn, or manipulate our way to God - only love will do.