As the Father has
loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments,
you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and
abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in
you, and that your joy may be full.
-----------------------------
Do you know the love
that produces immeasurable joy? Jesus speaks of the love which the Father and
he have for those who belong to him. We can never outgive God in love, because
he has loved us without measure. Our love for him is a response to his
exceeding mercy and kindness towards us. Paul the Apostle tells us that we can
abound in joy and hope because God has poured out his love into our hearts by
the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. In God's love we find the fullness of
grace, life, peace, and joy. Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment – a
new way of love. We are to love others as Jesus has loved us. What is the
essence of this new commandment? True love is sacrificial. It gives all to the
beloved. And there is no greater proof in love than the sacrifice of one's life
for the sake of another. Jesus proved his love for his disciples by giving his
life for them, even to death on the cross. We prove our love for God and for
one another when we embrace the way of the cross. What is the cross in my life?
When my will crosses with God's will, then God's will must be done. Do
you know the joy and contentment of a life fully surrendered to God and
consumed with his love?
-----------------------------
"Lord Jesus, may
I abound in hope, joy, and love. Inflame my heart with love for you and your
ways and with charity and compassion for my neighbor. May there be nothing in
my life which keeps me from your love."
---
No comments:
Post a Comment