Life of Love
9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. (John 15:9-14)
We love the thought of love - our imagined version with rainbows and butterflies, smiles and warm feelings. But seeking the good of others isn't always easy, or pretty, or fun.
It's often as difficult, messy, and painful as the cross.
Jesus lived a life of radical love - embodying God's love. He showed this love in how he lived, how he served, and how he died. He lived unbowed to the earthly hierarchies which thrived on oppression. He served by bringing wholeness and healing to those on the margins of society. He died taking the sin of the world upon himself. And he rose victorious over it all.
Jesus commands us to love just as radically. We are freed people called to free people. Through inclusive community we can break oppressive chains that continue to define the margins of society. We can intentionally die to the selfishness and greed that keep us from seeing the value and beauty in everyone, and in every aspect of creation. What joy we might have if we let go of the need to jockey for position, and elevate ourselves. What peace we might find if we could celebrate someone else's victory without comparing it to our own defeat. The commandment to love is an invitation to die to self-importance and embrace the joy found in friendship (unity of purpose) with our Savior.
May we learn to truly live a life of love.
15 I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16 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. 17 I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. (John 15:15-17)
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