FULLNESS OF LIFESample

I can only handle this chapter of John in bite size pieces. I mean, this verse alone is enough to make me tune into Netflix and pretend that life on the internet is real. 

Firstly, a command. Not so much of a “hey, here are my top tips for winning at life”. A command.

Secondly, love each other. Not so much love yourself.

Finally, as I have loved you. A command to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. I can’t see this making a popular Instagram post.

So, Jesus doesn’t seem to say, “If you want to win at life, love yourself and put yourself first.”

Jesus commands this so that our joy may be complete (16:4). A command to love each other that we may remain in his love (15:10). 

And to love you, I need to know you.

Let’s know each other. Let’s live in the fullness of life that God intends.

PRAYER

Give us the courage, Lord, to consider how we may lay down our lives for our friends, teach us to love others as You have loved us.