Love Each Other

Read: John 15:15-17

This is part of the scripture reference in today’s ODB devotion, so I felt moved to share this incredible quote from Jesus as recorded by John:

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. ¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other. John 15:15-17

If Bible memory verses are a important to you, verse 17 is pretty short! More than just memorizing seven words, my prayer is that we internalize this command from Jesus.

It’s a command, not a suggestion.

Context: This is part of John’s extensive narrative that captures Jesus’ words in the Upper Room just before His betrayal and arrest. Like the Sermon on the Mount, this discourse is an important part of scripture for us to fully understand — so much scripture, so little time! Anyway, I hope you’ll be prompted to read more of John 13-17 with the idea that “love each other” is central to theme as the words are centered in Jesus’ talk with His friends.

Ministry is challenging at times, even difficult, seemingly impossible. We need each other to be effective. My prayer this morning is quite simple: let us learn to love each other as Jesus commanded, lock arms and share the great news of the risen Savior. Jesus promoted His disciples from servants to friends. Go and do likewise!

This is my command: Love each other.

Love of Another Kind