John 15:9-17
As the Father has loved me, so I 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. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. John 15:9-17 (NRSVUE)
One of the Bibles we have in our home shows Jesus’ words in red print. In reading the chapters preceding the passage above and following the passage, we find that Jesus is teaching the disciples always. They have prepared for the last supper and are gathered around Jesus to continue learning. The last chapters of the book of John talk about Jesus’ arrest and death.
In this passage, Jesus’ lesson and commandment is, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus chose his disciples and taught them everything that the Father has told him.
Some may have learned the different types of love when in confirmation. God’s love for humanity is called agape (agápē) – unconditional, divine love. What the world is today is certainly not the world God intended. We can each do what we can to better our part of the world by practicing agape.
How do we love one another? By being kind to people we know and to strangers. By reaching out to help with food, water, clothing, and other needs. By praying for each other. When we do these things, we are abiding in God’s love. And we aren’t alone when we do these things. We are connected to Jesus through worship and prayer.
Questions for Reflection:
- How will you practice agape this week with your family and friends?
- How will you practice agape with strangers?
- How will you practice agape on social media?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of love. Fill me with compassion, kindness, and patience so I may love others as You have loved me. Teach me to see beauty in every person. Please help me by my thoughts, words, and actions, to practice your peace and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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