Jesus’s words in John 15:9-10, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 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,” raise a profound question: What does Jesus’s love truly mean? This passage offers a glimpse into the depth and transformative power of divine love, challenging us to understand its implications for our lives.
alt text: A painting of Jesus with his disciples.
Jesus’s declaration of love isn’t a mere sentiment; it’s a life-altering reality. He lived, died, and rose again, demonstrating the immeasurable extent of his love for us. However, experiencing this love isn’t always straightforward. While Jesus’s love extends to all humanity, embracing and abiding in that love requires a conscious choice.
This passage highlights a crucial aspect of abiding in Christ’s love: obedience to his commandments. This isn’t about earning God’s love, as 1 John 4:10 clarifies, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” God’s love is a freely given gift, not a reward for our efforts.
Keeping His Commandments: A Path to Abiding in Love
So, what does it mean to “keep his commandments?” Understanding human nature’s tendency to idolize other things (John 2:24-25), Jesus provides commandments as guideposts to keep us focused on him. The first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me,” isn’t a demand for blind obedience, but a warning against distractions that can lead us away from God’s love.
God’s commandments, particularly the command to “love one another as I have loved you,” offer a roadmap to experiencing the fullness of his love. Imagine a world where every interaction reflected Christ’s selfless love – a world filled with joy, sacrifice, and genuine care for others. This is the transformative potential of living a life rooted in Christ’s love.
Beyond Minimum Requirements: Living a Life of Love
Often, Christianity is reduced to a checklist of religious obligations. However, true faith involves actively living in and sharing Christ’s love. These two aspects are inseparable. Abiding in Jesus’s love compels us to extend that same love to others, reflecting his love in our words and actions.
Remaining in Christ’s love isn’t passive; it requires an active commitment to living a life shaped by his teachings. This involves embracing his commandments not as burdensome rules, but as guiding principles that lead to a deeper experience of his love and a more fulfilling life. It’s about reflecting his love in every aspect of our lives, transforming our relationships and our world. What does your love mean? Let it be a reflection of Christ’s love.
