Scripture to Read: John 15:9–11
Love is the key to our intimacy with our Lord and with those around us. Jesus was asked (in Matthew 22:36–40) which one of the commandments was the greatest of all. Jesus, without hesitation, said that we must love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Then, even though He was not asked what the second greatest commandment was, He shared it anyway and said we must love our neighbor as ourselves. Then, Jesus took it one step further and said that all of the Law and all that the Prophets had written are based on these two commandments. So, it should be no surprise that Jesus told His disciples in John 15:9–11, “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” We must walk in Christ’s love every day of our lives. To abide in Christ means we willingly walk in obedience to Him and His Word. We choose to die to our fleshly desires (Galatians 5:19–21, 1 John 2:16) and live wholeheartedly for our King. As we obey our Lord, we also experience the fullness of His love for us. Jesus also said, though, that we will experience the fullness of His joy. The choice is ours each day; let’s make the right one.
Challenge & Application
• Since love is the most important fruit we have from our Lord, how do we show love to Him and others?
• What areas of your life need to be worked on to love God and others better?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!