Love Comes With Responsibilities
by Darla Noble
John 15:9-11
Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.
I’d like to suggest that the word “love” is the most overused word in the English language.
We love pizza, frozen yogurt, and a nice steak. We love that song. We love the sunshine. We love a good book. We love hanging out with friends. We love lounging beside the water. We love…
But these are all things. In truth, we have a fondness, a liking, or partiality toward them. We enjoy them. They give us pleasure. But love?
Let’s look at the God-given definition of love: patient, kind, doesn’t hold a grudge, isn’t self-seeking, doesn’t envy, seeks truth, perseveres, protects, and always wants the best for the loved one (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
Such a definition hardly applies to food, television, the beach, or having a good time, because those things aren’t relational. Jesus’ love for us, however, is.
He cares for us. He listens to us. He blesses us. He protects us. Most important of all, Jesus died for us all because of love. Just as Jesus has taken on the responsibility of loving us, we must take on the responsibility of obeying His commands to relationally love Him back. And when we do, our hearts really do overflow with love.
Reflection
How can I remain in Jesus’ love today? What does He promise to those who remain in His love? How can I claim that promise for myself?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your eternal, overwhelming, unfailing love. Thank You for loving me even when I didn’t know who You were. Please fill me with Your spirit. Help me to share Your love with the world. In Your name I pray, Amen.
