Friday 12 May 2023

May 12: John 15:12-17

Key Verse: John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Devotion:
Jesus shows the disciples they mean a whole lot more than just pupils or servants; He calls them friends. The difference He states here is they have been given privy to all of the things God has disclosed to Jesus as a man and not just what the hierarchy want them to know. The Pharisees maintained their power by making sure people knew just enough to keep them in line and not enough to pick faults in the leaders!

Jesus disclosed everything because he wanted them and us to know the whole truth. This is the special relationship we have with Christ – not be be mere servants, slaves, disciples or sheep, but friends of God! Why does He want them to know this much – to show how special and needed love is in any relationship.

Yes we could have a very good working relationship with God if we listened to Him and obeyed Him, but if we want to be in that good relationship with Him, then we have to go as far as being friends with God and loving Him with everything we have!

Love is the cornerstone of any relationship; upon that is built trust, respect, honesty and every other attribute a good relationship requires to work. Without love that relationship is going to break down before it blossoms. The same can be said for human relationships but we have problems trying to understand what this love is and instead we follow desires and lusts. God just wants to love us and for us to love Him.

Points to Ponder:
Do you have love in your relationship with God?

Will you try to understand how much he loves you?