Reflecting on John 15:9-12“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
In these words of Jesus there is no doubt for me: it all comes down to love!
And not syrupy Hallmark love that is mostly a nice feeling.
Jesus-love is the way of salvation, the way of God, and God’s will for us.
This kind of love is a devotion to the other that is radical and extreme.
It is a self-denying, other blessing love – for family, friends, strangers, enemies.
Paul unpacks this radical love by describing it this way:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–8)
This love proclaims the gospel, for it is how God in Jesus has loved us.
This love declares God’s will, for it shows how we are to love each other.
This is the law that the church should read every time it meets.
To remain in Jesus and His words, we need to remain in this love.
If we want to experience complete joy, we need to seek this love.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Your word is my command: Love each other. I confess I do not love others as You have loved me. But I want to, and with Your Spirit's help I can pursue this love until You complete the good work You began in me. This love!