October 8, 2015 – John 15:12-14

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:12-14And then Jesus asked Peter, Do you love me? Three times Jesus asked Peter the same question. Why do we love? Do we love ‘just because’? Or do we love for what that person can do and does do for us?Think about someone you call a friend and ask yourself why that person is your friend. Do you care about him just because, or does he or she make you feel good about yourself?Jesus loves you and He loves me so much that He died on the cross to free us from sin. He rose from the dead and walked on this earth and sits on the right hand side of our all powerful Lord God. He is building a home for you and me so we can live with Him.He wants us to love him so much that we want to live for Him every day. Jesus obeys God and we obey Jesus. What is in it for you and for me, you ask? Joy everlasting, now and forever. Somehow trusting and loving Jesus takes away our worry about tomorrow. He feeds us and clothes us and protects us.God made everyone, even your Dad and Mom. He wants you to love them and obey them. In fact, the Bible says – Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3. Now, go tell your Mom and Dad how much you love them.

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow. John 15:9-11