John 15: 10-12
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my father's commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.
The writer of the book of John is known in church history as the apostle that Jesus loved. Indeed the writings of John contain much of the New Testament's teaching about the love of God and a Christian's love to his fellow man. It is John who quotes some of Jesus most famous words: "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, by your love for one another." (John 13:35) Yes, John had much to say about love. In chapter 15 John gives us the secret to having true joy in our lives and connects it to the love we should have for one another.
These things have I spoken unto you that your joy might be full ... that ye love one another, as I have loved you.
When we begin to show the love of God to one another it causes us to have joy. You know that good feeling that you get when you have done something for someone else. It is not just a tingly feeling. It is the reciprocated joy that comes from passing along the love of God to another of his children. God intended it to be that way. He loves for his children to love one another and to lift one another up. He never intended for anyone to feel alone in this life. One of the prayers Jesus prayed in John 17 is that his followers would be one as He was one with the father. It is God's will for everyone to feel love and feel a part of the family of God. It is the responsibility of us all to help that happen.
Do you feel disconnected? Perhaps you feel as if you have been forgotten. No one has called in a while. Are you wondering if people still care about you? The best way to overcome those feelings is to reach out and connect with someone else. Send a note to someone who is going through a battle. Let them know that you too have been through some hard times but you know God brought you through and he will bring them through. Perhaps you don't feel up to visiting a nursing home. Maybe you are not the type to talk on the phone. You can still encourage someone else. With social media it is easier than ever before. Send someone an instant message on Facebook and let them know they are in your prayers. You will be surprised how good it makes you feel.
Do you need something from God? John 15: 7 says, "If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." We love to quote that scripture when we have a need but the context of the chapter connects our needs to the needs of others. If you encourage someone else you might be surprised how quickly God meets your needs. And you will feel better in the process. This isn't just a psychological trick; these are the words of Jesus.
Share his love with another today and it will come back to you. Try it - you won't be disappointed!
In Christ's Love,
Sullivan Jones
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my father's commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.
The writer of the book of John is known in church history as the apostle that Jesus loved. Indeed the writings of John contain much of the New Testament's teaching about the love of God and a Christian's love to his fellow man. It is John who quotes some of Jesus most famous words: "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, by your love for one another." (John 13:35) Yes, John had much to say about love. In chapter 15 John gives us the secret to having true joy in our lives and connects it to the love we should have for one another.
These things have I spoken unto you that your joy might be full ... that ye love one another, as I have loved you.
When we begin to show the love of God to one another it causes us to have joy. You know that good feeling that you get when you have done something for someone else. It is not just a tingly feeling. It is the reciprocated joy that comes from passing along the love of God to another of his children. God intended it to be that way. He loves for his children to love one another and to lift one another up. He never intended for anyone to feel alone in this life. One of the prayers Jesus prayed in John 17 is that his followers would be one as He was one with the father. It is God's will for everyone to feel love and feel a part of the family of God. It is the responsibility of us all to help that happen.
Do you feel disconnected? Perhaps you feel as if you have been forgotten. No one has called in a while. Are you wondering if people still care about you? The best way to overcome those feelings is to reach out and connect with someone else. Send a note to someone who is going through a battle. Let them know that you too have been through some hard times but you know God brought you through and he will bring them through. Perhaps you don't feel up to visiting a nursing home. Maybe you are not the type to talk on the phone. You can still encourage someone else. With social media it is easier than ever before. Send someone an instant message on Facebook and let them know they are in your prayers. You will be surprised how good it makes you feel.
Do you need something from God? John 15: 7 says, "If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." We love to quote that scripture when we have a need but the context of the chapter connects our needs to the needs of others. If you encourage someone else you might be surprised how quickly God meets your needs. And you will feel better in the process. This isn't just a psychological trick; these are the words of Jesus.
Share his love with another today and it will come back to you. Try it - you won't be disappointed!
In Christ's Love,
Sullivan Jones