1 John 3:22-24
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

I just saw things differently after reading this! In the new testament when i read commandment i always see the Ten Commandments. So before when reading this and other similar verses, i felt like the author was preaching "works". If you keep the Ten Commandments: if you do not lie, if you do not steal, if you do not hate, if you always keep God first...then you are in right standing with God...

I believe that is what much of the church has taught, that was my understanding growing up. It was about measuring up, trying to do right to remain in good standing. I have been learning differently in the past years though, as i have come to more accurately understand grace and God's ulitimate sacrifice that united us once and for all, independent of what i do, don't do, lack or whatever...

So in verse 22,  "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."- I used to believe it to mean that we get what we want and ask of God when we follow the Ten Commandments, when we are "good"- because that is pleasing to God.

But whoa, in verse 23 it clearly states the commandments, "23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment."

So that means, that irregardless of what we do, don't do- by believing in God's personally named son, Jesus Christ we are found pleasing to God! And out of a true, living relationship with Him, we are enabled to love one another which is His second command. You cannot have one without the other. They go hand in hand. 

Once again, i find the basics of life to be- Love God, and Love People.