The past few weeks I have been working my way through the book of John. Our youth minister challenged the youth group and leaders to take the "leap year challenge" and read John and Acts by February 29th. Confession: I need to be reading a bit faster.
Dont you just love how God uses the scripture we are currently reading and relates it perfectly back to our current lives.
In the spirit of Valentines Day, I have been reading through John 13,14,15, 16, 17, and 18 this week. And yes, there are some great passages about Jesus and the call of his disciples. But what kept grabbing my attention were the verses on love. Like…
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-34
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love." John 15:9
"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." John 15:10
"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
That last verse is what stuck out the most to me. Woah, Jesus calls me friend. How incredibly amazing! He not only loves me, died for me, and wants to know me; but He also calls me friend!
I know I know this, but God used this verse this past week as wonderful, and powerful, reminder of just how intimate my relationship with Christ can be, and not only that, but that He wants that intimate relationship with me. With you. With everyone. All out His grand love for us!
Challenge yourself: "Abide in my love" & "love one another as I have loved you"
Jesus, a friend for sinners, has more love than the universe can contain! Lets truly live like Christ, and how he commands it……… with love.
On a side note: I praise God for the wonderful blessings that I call my friends! I was working on Valentines and they brought me a balloon, a homemade card, a homemade cupcake, and a heart-shaped tin of mints. They will never know just how much that meant me. Seriously, God? You truly, and continually, shower me in blessings. And for that, I will Praise You today and always.
