Read John 15:9-17 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What actions did Jesus show His disciples?
2. How did He describe them?
3. What did He instruct them to do?
Reflect
The love Jesus showed His disciples was unlike anything they’d experienced before. They expected a Messiah to overthrow the oppressive Roman government, but Jesus surprised them by teaching them humility. Then in this passage, He said He would continue to show His love for them by laying down His life. His love is tangible, characterized by actions rather than by feelings, and it’s sacrificial, characterized by what He’s given rather than what He expects.
He calls us to show our love to others in the same way that He loved us. He served others out of pure love, not out of anything He could gain in return. Do we serve out of the overflow of God’s love in us, or to gain something for ourselves? That could be anything from wanting to maintain a good image to striving for power.
As you stay connected to the vine, the Holy Spirit will work in you to transform you more into His image. He’ll grow in you the desire and ability to follow His command to love as He loves. Rather than trying through your own strength, focus on Him and draw near to Him. He’ll work in and through you to teach you a love greater than what you can muster on your own.
Respond
How would you characterize the love you show others right now? Are you serving out of your own strength, or do you tend to isolate yourself? How can you reconnect with God this week and allow Him to fill you up?