“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. John 15 : 9 - 10
Readings this week : Acts 10 : 44 - end; 1 John 5 : 1 - 6; John 15 : 9 – 17
Thought for this week
In our Gospel reading today Jesus uses the word love nine times. Yet each time He uses it with slightly different implications. Because it is about love that makes a difference.
Jesus is actually using the word Agape, a particular kind of love that is selfless, abiding, persevering, life – changing, empowering, even sacrificial.
This is the love the Father has for Jesus, and the love He has shown us.
So Jesus speaks of us remaining in His love. Also for us as Jesus’ disciples to love one another, not just imitating Jesus’ love, but having the same selfless and forgiving heart as Jesus. He speaks of laying down His life for us in His love. Also of us being fruitful by living in and sharing Jesus’ love. Finally He tells us this is His command. It is not an optional extra of discipleship and of being the church. ‘Love one another’.
So Jesus tells us His love is life – changing, empowering, affirming, persevering. His love is something that changes our relationships, our self – esteem, our communities, our world. It begins with us receiving His love. This is Jesus’ love that makes all the difference.
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week
God our redeemer, you have delivered us from the power of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of your Son:
grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life,
so by his continual presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Risen Christ, by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples:
help your Church to obey your command and draw the nations to the fire of your love,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen
For those suffering from mental health issues, and mental health services
For those preparing to be married