Connection with GodSample

DAILY SCRIPTURE

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:9-12)

CONNECTION, JOY AND LOVE

Here’s a fun fact; Jesus is interested in your joy levels! He has joy, and he wants you to share in his joy so that your joy may be complete. What a wonderful thought!

There is a link in John 15:1-17 between receiving God’s love, remaining in his love, obedience to Jesus, friendship with Jesus and experiencing his joy. There is also meant to be an overflow from our relationship with God - our love for God is to be on display in producing fruit, and in loving each other.

Because we are connected to Jesus, love is to be a defining characteristic of our lives. God is love, he loves us extravagantly, and we are to love each other as he has loved us. In John 13:34-35 Jesus says,

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Now, perhaps as much or even more than at any other time in history, the world is desperate to see the love of God revealed in the lives of his people. We, as people connected to the one who is love, have the responsibility and privilege to display the extreme love of Jesus to each other and to the world.

With God’s help, we can love each other well. We can grow in our connection with him and become the men and women of God that he has created us to be. We can pray and invite God to do the impossible, seeing miraculous breakthroughs for his glory. We can live lives of joy. We can impact the world around us, passionately pursuing Jesus and sharing him with everyone, going after God’s heart to see his will done on earth as it is in heaven. We are here for such a time as this.

THOUGHTS FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION

• What aspects of God’s love inspire you to love others?
• Why is genuine love so important?