Love

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.  If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another. John 15:9-17

Jesus makes it clear, “Love one another.” I don’t see any conditions in this scripture. Love if, love when… Love isn’t a feeling either. Love is a demonstration.  Love is a verb. Jesus even says “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Jesus demonstrated His love by laying down His life. God the Father demonstrated His love by giving & allowing His son to die for the sins of the world.

Jesus went on to say that if we love, we have the opportunity to experience the best possible joy. We have the chance to live a joyful life all the time…as long as we love. WOW! This gives me a lot to think about. Love, even when I’ve been hurt. Love, even when I’ve been betrayed. Love, even when I’m tired and under a lot if stress. Love, even when someone is simply unlikeable. Love, even when someone cuts me off at the intersection.

Jesus also talks about bearing fruit and receiving what we ask in His name interwoven in His discussion about love. Does this mean we need to make sure we are walking in love completely if we want to bear fruit as Christians? Does it mean we need to be walking in love to receive what we ask in Jesus’ Name? Maybe showing & walking in love is THAT important.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8