“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
John 17:26
The faithful, steadfast, never-giving-up love of God is woven throughout the entire Bible. It confronts us with the admission that our own love for others is sadly lacking by comparison. Have you ever felt “compassion fatigue” in situations when you must give care to others? In frustration, we have said and done unloving things. How many times haven’t I wished I could take back my unloving words or actions?
Jesus knows all of this. But He still commands us to love one another. Then it surely must be possible to do so, right? The key is in what Jesus says: “If you love me, you will obey what I command (John 14:15).” The way to keep His commandment to love others is to love Jesus Himself.
If only our love was not weak and fickle. If only it didn’t wax and wane. Is there any hope that we could love as He has? Yes! Jesus has prayed to the heavenly Father for exactly that. In John 17 He asks that God would put into our hearts the love that the Father has for Him. And what Jesus asks of the Father, He always receives.
Jesus knows all of this. But He still commands us to love one another. Then it surely must be possible to do so, right? The key is in what Jesus says: “If you love me, you will obey what I command (John 14:15).” The way to keep His commandment to love others is to love Jesus Himself.
If only our love was not weak and fickle. If only it didn’t wax and wane. Is there any hope that we could love as He has? Yes! Jesus has prayed to the heavenly Father for exactly that. In John 17 He asks that God would put into our hearts the love that the Father has for Him. And what Jesus asks of the Father, He always receives.
Scripture Focus
John 17:20-26
Insight
Let’s open our hearts to the new love for Jesus which the Father pours into us. Then we can pour love out to others!
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 27-28
- Psalm 14
- Matthew 22
