May 2018 – Sermon reflection on John 15:9-17
Love each other
“This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome” 1 John 5:2-3 NIV
Focus Scripture
“9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 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. 17 This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:9-17 NIV
Scripture Reflection
In America today, liberal media and politicians promote things Christians are against and what we oppose in our society. As Christians, we are called to emphasize what we would admire and what we consider good in society. We are called to love God and love our neighbor. Our attitudes, actions, and words should be grounded in love and truth. We need to understand, embrace, and follow God’s commands to show our love for God and to our neighbors.
There are a few ways we can show how we can love God and people
1. Know God’s commands
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2. Keep God’s commands
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3. Kraft ways to encourage others to know and embrace God’s commands
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Reflection Questions
How is God calling you to draw closer?
Who could you work with to help you keep God’s commands?
How can you increase your sharing of God’s commands?
Let us love each other