Abide and Love Pt 2
On my second day home I read John 15:4-17 again (remember that I study from the Amplified Bible). I focused on three things:
1. Verse 7 - live in me (abide vitally united to Me)
2. Verse 9 - abide in My love (continue in God's love with Jesus)
3. Verse 10 - to live in the love of God, one must obey His instructions
In this passage of scriptures, Jesus tells us to "live in Me" with the promise that in return He will live in us. He goes on to explain that to live in Him means we keep God's Word within us and allow it to dwell there and change us. Jesus finishes with instructions to continue living in the love of God. He says that if we obey His commandments that we will be abiding in His love.
Both words - abide and love - are things we do on purpose. We choose to do them. Just like Jesus chose to die for us.
Making the decision to love is not done only in your mind. To truly love like Christ requires a commitment in your heart. Engage your heart in the decision to love, keep a smile on your face and ignore the thoughts that try to point out anything contradictory to your decision to love.
Don't let your mind bring up or dwell on "poor pitiful me." Refuse to criticize or look down on who you have chosen to love. Instead, speak about their good qualities and focus your attention on their strengths.
Keep your heart in a position of joy by remembering that everything you do to demonstrate your love for others also shows your love for God.
If loving God and praising Him and serving Him bring you happiness and energy then shift that same attitude to caring for who you have chosen to love.
We are free to live our lives God's way. Living with God empowers us to love like Him. Letting go of our self concern and putting someone else's best interest before our own is how we imitate the love of Christ on the cross.
Love is the greatest gift we can receive or give.
Heidirn
1. Verse 7 - live in me (abide vitally united to Me)
2. Verse 9 - abide in My love (continue in God's love with Jesus)
3. Verse 10 - to live in the love of God, one must obey His instructions
In this passage of scriptures, Jesus tells us to "live in Me" with the promise that in return He will live in us. He goes on to explain that to live in Him means we keep God's Word within us and allow it to dwell there and change us. Jesus finishes with instructions to continue living in the love of God. He says that if we obey His commandments that we will be abiding in His love.
Both words - abide and love - are things we do on purpose. We choose to do them. Just like Jesus chose to die for us.
Making the decision to love is not done only in your mind. To truly love like Christ requires a commitment in your heart. Engage your heart in the decision to love, keep a smile on your face and ignore the thoughts that try to point out anything contradictory to your decision to love.
Don't let your mind bring up or dwell on "poor pitiful me." Refuse to criticize or look down on who you have chosen to love. Instead, speak about their good qualities and focus your attention on their strengths.
Keep your heart in a position of joy by remembering that everything you do to demonstrate your love for others also shows your love for God.
If loving God and praising Him and serving Him bring you happiness and energy then shift that same attitude to caring for who you have chosen to love.
We are free to live our lives God's way. Living with God empowers us to love like Him. Letting go of our self concern and putting someone else's best interest before our own is how we imitate the love of Christ on the cross.
Love is the greatest gift we can receive or give.
Heidirn
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