You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

John 15 : 16 - 17

Reading for this week : John 15 : 9 - 17

Thought for the week

Jesus told us He has appointed us as His disciples ‘to bear fruit, fruit that will last’. As we come again to Remembrance, we remember those who gave their lives in war, we pray for those forced to live in conflict situations today, and we pray for a better, more just, more truthful and more holy and compassionate world.

St Paul draws us to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 : 22, beginning with ‘Love, joy, peace…’. It begins with love. An incredibly powerful word that is used too often. Love breaks down barriers, melts hearts, brings change. God Himself is love (1 John 4 : 16).

Who are we called to love today? Not only those closest, but those on the other side of the world, who are suffering from climate change. Those who are forced to flee their homes, because to leave is better and safer despite the awful consequences than to stay. We are called to love all people, no matter how difficult, how challenging, how annoying, with the patient, generous, compassionate, life – changing love that Jesus Himself has for us.

Love, the sacrificial, saving love of Jesus, comes first. Then we will build a world and a peace that will last.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

God, our refuge and strength,

bring near the day when wars shall cease

and poverty and pain shall end,

that earth may know the peace of heaven

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.