John 15:12-16 (NIV)
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
How much does God love you? He loves you with a sacrificial love; a love strong enough that He laid down His life for you, literally. And He asks us to love one another as He has loved us. I don’t know about you but I am not sure I am ready to lay down my life for someone else. Are you? Also, I don’t think I am able to love as Jesus loved. I can try with His help.
What does it mean to lay down one’s life for another? Does it mean I have to die to save someone else? Not necessarily. It means to “die to self”. When we put the needs of others ahead of our own needs, we die to self or lay down our life for our friends. That is sacrificial love. There are many ways to help others. Listening to those who need to speak, helping someone, being kind, opening a door, encouraging someone and being patient are all ways of loving others. Love is one of the fruits of the Spirit. (Gal 5:22) Agape love is defined as “acting intentionally, in sympathetic response to others (including God) to promote well being.” How can you love someone today? Who is it that God wants you to love? Will you keep your eyes open for opportunities?
How does it feel to know you are a friend of Jesus? Jesus chose you as His friend. He appointed you. He shared the “Master’s business” with you so that you know what He is about. He wants you to go and bear fruit that will last. Galatians 5 tells us “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.” These fruits will last! God does not call you to something for which He does not prepare you. He gave you all you need to accomplish the calling. You are appointed. You are called. You are equipped. You are empowered. You are well able to go and bear fruit. He also gives you a promise! He says “Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” For what will you ask in Jesus name? Will you bear fruit today?
Father I thank You that You love us so much that You laid down you life for us. Thank You for choosing us to bear fruit and giving us the chance to glorify you in that process. Lead us to the person to whom you wish to speak through our lives today!