The word “constrained” means compelled, obliged, or restricted.

Humans generally don’t like to be constrained. We rebel. We push back. But if you take the time to look more closely at how the word is used in this verse, I think you will discover how freeing it can be.

Today’s verse says the love of Christ is what compels us to live with the boundaries of God’s commands. It is a love so true and so intense that it cost Jesus His life. He became a sacrifice for our sins so we wouldn’t have to die. He took our punishment for us.

Considering all that, loving Him back the way God wants us to is the very least we can do. We shouldn’t consider it a chore. An obligation, yes, but one we feel privileged to fulfill.

Besides, from what is God restricting us? Well, let’s see: there’s drunkenness, greed, lies, stealing, sexual sins as well as other sins that lead to disease, broken hearts, depression, and insecurities, other illegal acts….

We shouldn’t be complaining or rebelling.

We should be on our knees thanking God for loving us enough to expect and demand more for us.