In today’s passage, we receive a challenging commandment from Jesus: Love one another as I - Jesus - have loved you. This commandment can seem daunting as we recognize the ways in which Jesus has loved us. He removed our sin, he cancelled our debt, he made us a new creation, and he lovingly took our place on the cross. How could Jesus ask us to emulate a perfect display of affection? “Abide in my love,” Jesus graciously instructs us. By resting and remaining in His love, we can demonstrate Jesus’ love to others.

In the following passage, the vision of Greater Love is shown as a person laying down his life for the people in his life. We love greater by sacrificing our schedule, our time, and our desires. This could mean adjusting your plan for the day to fit in dedicated time with your spouse, or giving a gift to a struggling member of our community. Maybe this looks like removing the burden of busy-ness from our day and making space to pray for the afflicted. As you read this passage, consider how Jesus’ love changes how you love.

[John 15.9-13]

15.9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 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.

11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does it mean to Abide in the love of Jesus?

+ What is our command as a people who are loved by Jesus?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Who have you not loved in this way?

+ Will you believe Jesus’ love for you? How will you repent?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ As you display love to your friends with action, who seems ready to hear about our Greater Love?