December 2, 2020 – John 15:12-14

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”  John 15:12-14.

“Oh how He loves you and me!” Every encounter Jesus had with his disciples, those He healed, and His Father in Heaven was one of love and the giving of Himself. 

We are commanded to love, it is not a suggestion.  When we think only of ourselves, our needs and desires, the commandment to love others means little.  You are not willing to listen, to lay down your desires for your friends.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11.   We are chosen to bear Fruit… that stems from Loving others. The Fruit of the Spirit of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  (Galatians 5) 

Dear Lord God, I am blessed that you chose me to love.  Help me to listen to your commands and to bear the Fruit that comes from You, and I will enjoy your Joy and Peace.  Help me to truly love others as Jesus loves me.  I pray in His Name alone, Amen.

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.  Psalm 34:13-14.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you. These things I command you so that you will love one another.”  John 15:16-17.