I am the true vine. John 15:1
Read John 15:12-27. Is this the type of final words you expected to hear from Jesus? Have you felt God speak you about your hearts’ desires with His words and His love? Do you feel a sense of lack in your life? This may be because you have a love deficiency. We all get busy going and going, doing, and doing. We feel the grind to keep up and to check off every item on our to-do list. This is what I have felt this last month. Then I sit back and wonder when I have had a real true connection with God. It got lost in all the business of life. I hate that. Do you have times like this? During these times do you forget that you are deeply and wholeheartedly love by God? If you are in that spot, take this time to let Him remind you that you are deeply loved by him.
When we know that we are deeply loved by God, it frees us up to truly love one another. This is Jesus’s greatest commands – to love one another as Jesus loves us. By doing this we will bear much fruit. Is there anyone in your life that might need a little bit more love from you? How can you show them your love today or in the next few weeks?
Have you found that loving others has helped you? Has there been a time where you thought of others versus yourself? Have you noticed an attitude change in you for the better?
Let’s look at love in another way. If I only view love as to what it can give me, love from others will fail me. It’s not that love fails, it’s that people are not my god. First Corinthians 13:8 says this, “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” Nothing will fill our lives, right my wrongs, or meet our deepest needs. Instead, we need to come from the view of what can we give to others. We can choose to let our love be patient and kind. We can choose to not let our love keep a record of wrongdoings. We can choose to let our love protect and persevere. We can choose to lay the cup at Jesus’ feet and stop demanding of those who around me do things for me. Love is the opportunity of what we can give to this world. This isn’t exactly easy though. Who knew love could be so hard. I don’t know about you though. I find it a little easier to love those who are lost and not following Christ, than loving my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Can you relate to this or are you opposite of me?
Thank goodness we do not have to love everyone without Jesus. It really is the only way I can do it. Especially with the hard to love people. I am thankful that God sent an advocate for us. I really find comfort to know that the Holy Spirit is called the Advocate. He is my helper and my counselor. He protects me.
Do you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you love others?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Holy Spirit. Thank you that he helps and counsels us. I pray that as we move forward in you, that we will depend on you for loving everyone.
In Jesus Name
Amen
