John 15:9-17 (NRSV)
Read John 15:9-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. Verse 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. Verse 11I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. Verse 12"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Verse 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. Verse 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. Verse 15I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. Verse 16You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. Verse 17I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
Devotion
Years ago in Boston, the "dangerous contraption" automobile was thought a danger and threat to the general public. One driver who was arrested for speeding was sentenced to five days in jail. He had been driving in excess of eight miles per hour. We would be ticketed today for driving that slowly on most streets in our towns. Regulations and rules change. There is one law that has never changed. It is, "love one another." As God's chosen "friends," this law of love applies for all questions we may have as to our conduct here. It precedes bearing of fruit or any effort we can muster as those "chosen and sent" on behalf of the gospel. We are compelled to love as Jesus loved. We are commanded to do this, and by his grace alone it does happen in ways beyond our knowing. It is then lawful and good.
Prayer
This is our prayer for each endeavor we attempt, dear Lord. May our most feeble effort mirror your astounding love. Amen