Day 36 -He is Love Revealed. 

So many of the words that Jesus said before He was betrayed and taken were skipped by 3/4 of the gospel writers. Their focus was on the betrayal but John writes 4 and a half chapters of Jesus’s words for us. In John 15, Jesus speaks of being the true vine. I have read this section many times and I have always seen the same 4 things:

1. We are to abide in Jesus – He is the Vine and we are the Branches
2. Branches are to bear fruit
3. We can do nothing (can’t bear fruit) apart from Jesus
4. Those who do not abide and bear fruit are taken away ( In the art of pruning and growing vines. To take away never means discarded but rather to start over. He never gives up!)

This time I saw something different. I see a reason! Why did Jesus tell His disciples these things? He wanted them to focus on something particular in light of what was about to happen. Judas has gone to betray Him. The Pharisee’s and the council are coming for Him. He only has a short time to say so much. He is giving them the answer to why this is happening.

John 15:16-17  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.¹⁷ These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Look closely at what He said. He is saying “THIS is the reason.” I chose you for a purpose. I have a plan for you. Stay connected to me. I have given you provision and blessing in my name  from the Father. WHY? So that you will love one another! This world that Jesus broke into and for 33 years walked among us, was void of real love. Jesus came to give us back the true heart. The one that our Father God gave to us at the creation. The one He put in Adam and Eve before the fall. Jesus came so that we would love another. Apart from Him, we can not do that! Jesus is love revealed, when we follow His command to abide, love multiplies! – Tweet That! 

PRAYER: Lord, I know I don’t know how to love right but You do. I love with conditions and expectations. You came to give us a heart like You. A heart that loves continually and never stops. You are love! Teach me more about this love that You have so that I may really love those around me.

Have you noticed your heart with all its expectations and conditions for you to show up and show off love? When was the last time you loved without strings attached? Often the reason we pull back and make conditions is that we have been hurt and don’t want to risk bearing our hearts again. It is only through the bearing heart, open and vulnerable that we are able to fill our own heart aches with the love grace of the Father.

Thanks for Listening,

Starla