Doctrine and Covenants 82: 8-9; 1: 37-38; 120: 20-21

 

What personal experiences have helped you see the Lord’s commandments not as restrictions, but as loving gifts that bring protection and peace?

"8 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you;

9 Or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.

10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." (Doctrine and Covenants 82: 8-9)

"37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine and Covenants 1: 37-38)

"20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (Doctrine and Covenants 120: 20-21)

And here's the beginning part of the commentary entitled: "Commandments are evidence of God’s love for us." :

"If you or someone you know has ever wondered why the Lord gives so many commandments, Doctrine and Covenants 82:8–10 could help. Which insights from these verses could help you explain to someone why you choose to follow the Lord’s commandments? What could you compare the commandments to that might help? You could find additional insights in Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38; 130:20–21 and the video “Blessed and Happy Are Those Who Keep the Commandments of God” (Gospel Library). What experiences have taught you to see commandments as blessings?"

I choose to follow the Lord's commandments because I trust in Him. His promises are true. I know that He will fulfill His promises. I know this from my own experience. As I strive to keep His commandments He's been showering me with blessings. 

Commandments are like the string which connects a kite to the one flying the kite. As long as the kite stays connected to its flyer, it can continue to fly up in the sky and can even fly as high as it can get. If the string gets cut off, the kite can fly higher only for a little bit and then it will come crashing down. As we strive to keep God's commandments, we stay connected with Him, just as the kite stays connected with its flyer. When we stop keeping the commandments, we're cutting off our connection with God. 

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy is one of God's commandments which taught me to see commandments as blessings early on. As I strive to keep the Sabbath Day holy each Sunday, I've been receiving the promised blessings. The more I strive to keep this commandment, the more blessings I receive.