Reflecting on John 15:9-17“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)
Jesus is not talking about the doctrine of election as defined by the church.
He is talking about the doctrine of gracious love that chooses to act.
Jesus did not love those who first chose to love Him.
Likewise God does not choose to love those that first choose to love God.
God’s gracious love precedes our response, and inspires a response of love.
God does not just love us to receive that love, but to share that love.
We are blessed to be a blessing, loved to be loving – this is the fruit that lasts!
Love turns enemies into friends, and makes strangers into family.
This is how God saves us, and what God saves us for… to spread the love!
If we do not SHOW this love, then we really do not KNOW this love.
Too often we see the opposite from some christians and churches.
They choose not to love, treating family as opponents and choose to let them go.
I have to search my own heart, to see if I am not loving certain kinds of people.
All people are God’s creation family, prodigal children that He chooses to love.
Will I choose to follow the Jesus Way of loving all people, even suffering for them?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, this is not academic for me. There are certain people I have a hard time loving, and these people claim to be christians. They are my brothers and sisters, whether I like them or not. Help me to choose to love like You did!
I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me;
it was not I that found, O Savior true;
no, I was found of Thee.
I was found to be like Jesus to be an instument of His peace. I need to be like Christ unto others. Helpme daily in your way Lord.