We are called to "remain in God's love" (John 15:9).
But how do we do that?
Well, John continues with Jesus saying "If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love" (John 15:10).
What does this mean?
In what ways does this challenge you to change your life into greater Christ-likeness?
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John 15:9-17 seems to tell us that the key to a fulfilled life is really not about what we do or who we are in the world's eyes. It's about loving others as Christ loved us no matter what situations we find ourselves in. Looking at John 15:10 alone, one might see a "conditional" aspect to "remaining in God's love". However, if we look at the surrounding verses, John 15:10 is more like a statement of fact. Is it possible that the key to a "joyful" life lies in simply living to love others just as God loves us? Is this what God made us to do? Why then do we allow ourselves to be so consumed by worldy pursuits to the point that our joy is actually diminished? This is the challenge that I wrestle with when studying this portion of Scripture.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%. I also find it interesting that Jesus says "I no longer call you servants" but friends (v15). There are times where we must simply love whether we "feel" like it or not (like the obedience of a servant). Yet God is desperate not to leave us there. He has made known to us everything he learned from the Father (v15)! We must grow to appreciate the reasons why we love (as friends of God) even while stepping out in faith to love without complete knowledge of those same reasons. Thus we will grow in his joy (v11).
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