Read John 15:9-17
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”
The revelation Jesus makes here of the relationship between the Father and Him seems to be filled with ease. However, their union was not one without testing in this world. Remember Jesus is being tempted. Not only that, he has the vulnerability of being hungry, thirsty, and wearied by the devastations wrought by sin in this world. Yet His temptation is what is common to us all: to turn from reliance on God instead of relying on His love.
Jesus remained in the Father’s love, keeping the Father’s commands, and experiencing joy.
Oh how I wander and forget the Presence of God. It makes me wonder, am I hard to love? Hamzaa asks this question in her song, Hard to Love. Yet the story of God’s love across the Scripture is of His faithfulness experienced in loving kindness.
Heavenly Father, Send your Spirit to me that I might think and act according to your loving kindness even in this broken and beautiful world. How will I love as you love unless I am drawn into your love? Come Lord Jesus Come. Amen.
Jeremiah 31:3 “The LORD appeared to us on the past saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness’.”