“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:12-14 ESV
John 15 contains one of the most recognizable verses about love in the Bible. This statement is not just a command to His followers, but also a foreshadowing of the death He would die in order to save His friends. Jesus commands that those who follow Him follow His call to love others.
“You shall have just balances, a just ephah, and a just bath.” Ezekiel 45:10 ESV
God’s command to love others is a constant theme in the Bible as a whole. Dishonest scales and false measurements led to unjust gain by sellers and hurt buyers. Throughout Scripture God emphasizes the importance of justice and treating others fairly. As a Christian, it is important that I show Christ’s love to others throughout my day-to-day life. It is easy to do the right thing when everyone is watching and you get praised for it. It is harder when you have to sacrifice your pride and what you want for the sake of others.
You did not choose me, but I choose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. John 15:16-17 ESV
A motif that runs through John 15 is that imagery of a vine, it’s branches, and their fruit. Jesus Himself is that vine and I am one of His branches. If I stray from the Vine, then I will not produce Spiritual Fruit, for a branch is useless without the Vine.
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.” John 15:26 ESV
Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to strength me and bear witness. I am weak and need Christ’s forgiveness for sinning against Him. I can draw near to Him, however, due to His sacrifice.
Your name, O LORD, endures forever, your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages. For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. Psalm 135:13-14 ESV
Dear God, Thank You for being compassionate not just to me, but to all humanity by sending Jesus to die for the sins of the world. Please help me follow Your command to love others as you have loved me. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit to strength and guide me. In your Holy Name, Amen.
Nathanael (nborger2017)
Sixty-six books in a year 