Re:Verse reading–John 15:9-17 (day two)
“You did not choose Me but I chose you…” vs. 16a
We often get caught up in the idea that we made a decision to follow Jesus, and that it was at our initiation that prompted our journey to faith. In reality, we would never made this choice had the spirit not been at work in our hearts. Jesus knew us before we knew ourselves. It is as his behest that we have a place at the table of salvation. This makes his sacrificial act of love more beautiful that while we were yet still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore as we grow in our walk we would be wise to remember that his calling us to him for salvation is not the end of his call on our lives. Does he have other desires and plans for you? Should we lay more things at his feet? Most definitely.
“This I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17! Will our surroundings and the world be at peace and cooperation if everyone demonstrates the caring, the concerns and loving actions to one another? We can try. Together, we can make a difference in our surroundings.
God commands us how to conduct our life; and as we walk with Him, we are reminded to act on His commandments. He has led by showing to us what love means. Love helps build bridges, not walls!! Love helps reunite and not divide. Love and caring for one another helps heal human wounds and helps bring solutions and resolutions to interpersonal conflicts. An act of love and caring can help bring enemies to friendships.
An act of love and caring for one another will bring everyone closer to serve God and to serve a common purpose. Do we know and communicate each other’s expectations as God communicated His commandments to us?? Friendship is all about knowing, understanding, valuing and acting on expectations! To walk with God, in my view, is to act on His commandments from our heart, knowing it is the matter between us and God!
How do you spread God’s love to your family, to those you call friends, and to your surroundings? Are you applying God’s commandments to your daily interactions with those who matter to you and at your workplace? Are we doing from our heart or are we doing for a public relation image? I am anxious to learn more.
Phuong Le Callaway, PHD, CA