And whatever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
And whatever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
And he gives us all our requests, because we keep his laws and do the things which are pleasing in his eyes.
And whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
and whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
Whatsoever we ask - In such a spirit, we receive of him, for he delights to bless the humble, upright, and sincere soul.
Because we keep his commandments - Viz., by loving him and loving our neighbor. These are the great commandments both of the old covenant and the new. And whoever is filled with this love to God and man will do those things which are pleasing to him; for love is the very soul and principle of obedience.
The word heart is used in the preceding verses for conscience; and so the Greek fathers interpret it, particularly Origen, Nicephorus, and Ecumenius; but this is not an unfrequent meaning of the word in the sacred writings.
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him - If we are truly his children, and ask in a proper manner. See the notes at Matthew 7:7. Compare Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9; Luke 18:1 ff; John 14:13; John 15:7; 1 John 5:14. The declaration here made must be understood with these limitations:
(1) that we ask in a proper manner, James 4:3; and,
(2) that the thing asked shall be such as will be consistent for God to give; that is, such as he shall see to be best for us, 1 John 5:14. See the notes at this latter passage.
Because we keep his commandments - Not that this is the meritorious ground of our being heard, but that it furnishes evidence that we are his children, and he hears his children as such.
And do those things that are pleasing in his sight - As a parent is disposed to bestow favors on obedient, affectionate, and dutiful children, so God is on those who please him by their obedience and submission to his will. We can have no hope that he will hear us unless we do so live as to please him.