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John 15:12 - Love As Jesus Loved You.John 15:12 (NKJV) This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.COMMENTARY PEARL Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd. They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied. They will not be longing for exciting amusements, or for some change in their lives. The great topic of interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Social intercourse will be profitable. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity. When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not be spoken with indifference. They will burn in our hearts, and kindle upon our lips. To Moses, when called to minister to an ignorant, undisciplined, and rebellious people, God gave the promise, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And He said, "Certainly I will be with thee." Exodus 33:14; 3:12. This promise is to all who labor in Christ's stead for His afflicted and suffering ones. Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, "Love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts. DA 641 COMMENTARY Our oldest son, Jack, is a junior in college. He has a beautiful brain and is using it. He is earning a double major in business management and humanities and a double minor in psychology and pre-law. He plans to graduate next year and attend law school. His knowledge and drive are impressive. Especially to his dad and me. We didn't navigate college in quite the same way. I took four and a half years of classes over six years before graduating. My husband, Scott, spent several years in college studying art before majoring in church leadership. We took a long and varied path in our journeys of knowledge. I have taken a long and varied path in my journey of knowing Jesus too. I am still learning about Him every day. He is the One who knows me and loves me completely. This knowledge can be too much for my brain. I can't fully grasp His omniscience and omnipotence. But I want to know the fullness of His love and goodness. Moment by moment, He builds out my faith, teaching me about grace and revealing His incredible care for me. I want to keep learning about Him for the rest of my days. Susanna Foth Aughtmon Faith Step: In what ways do you want to know Jesus better? Spend time today in prayer, then write down one or two lessons you want to learn from Him by finishing the phrase: Jesus, I'm ready for You to teach me _____. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] CLOSING THOUGHT St. Francis of Assisi had discovered the secret of happiness when he prayed: O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console, To be understood as to understand, To be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; It is in dying that we are born to eternal life! Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears of love shed for others are a sign of strength. I am not as sensitive as I ought to be until I am able to "weep o'er the erring one and lift up the fallen." And until I have learned the value of compassionately sharing others' sorrow, distress, and misfortune, I cannot know real happiness. The opposite of love isn't hate. It's selfishness. Will you ask the Holy Spirit to free your life from selfishness and fill you instead with His love? Lord, forgive me for the times I have chosen self over serve or a grudge over grace. Give me a love that sees others as more important than myself. [Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY John 15:12 - Love As Jesus Loved You. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240504-0853.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221128-0854.html John 13:34, 35 - The Distinguishing Mark of a Christian. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200831-1501.html John 13:34, 35 - The New Command - Love As Jesus Did. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170209-1059.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |