>>>

John 15:14, 15 - Love That Results In Obedience.

John 15:14, 15 (NIV) 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.

John 15:14, 15 (NLT) You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

INTRODUCTION

   Because Jesus Christ is our Lord and Master, he has the right to call us servants; instead, he regards us as friends. How comforting and reassuring that he not only chose us but also wants us to be his friends! Because he is our Lord and Master, we owe him our unqualified obedience and should listen to everything he says; because we are his friends, we should love him and others the way he loves us.
   We are to love each other as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. We may or may not have to die for someone, but we can also practice sacrificial love in other ways: listening, helping, encouraging, giving. Think of someone who needs this kind of love today, and give all the love you can. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   My friends Amy, Rhys, and I chatted after worship one Sunday about our favorite snacks. "I'm addicted to hummus and celery," I chirped. Rhys and Amy looked at each other and grinned. "I was about to say chocolate mousse," Amy said. We all burst into laughter.
   A few months later, my birthday fell on a Sunday. Amy made a dramatic production of giving me a brightly wrapped package of... yes, ma'am: hummus and celery. It remains one of my favorite birthday gifts ever.
   Because I know Amy and Rhys like me, I don't mind their teasing. It means we're comfortable with each other. We've spent enough time together to develop trust.
   Because Jesus Is My Friend, I Long To Feel Comfortable Talking With Him. Not Only When I First Get Up In The Morning Or Before I Sleep But Also Throughout The Day. To Recognize His Constant Presence In My Everyday Life. To Acknowledge Him.
   When I See A Gorgeous Rose, To Tell Him He Did A Great Job. When I'm Confused, To Ask For His Wisdom. When I've Snapped At My Husband, To Ask For His Forgiveness And An Extra Dose Of Patience. When I Have A Decision To Make, To Get Quiet And Listen For His Input.
   To discover if He prefers hummus and celery or chocolate mousse. Or both. Jeanette Levellie
   Faith Step: Right now, stop and tell Jesus something you'd say to a best friend. Throughout the day, talk to Him and listen for His voice. [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

COMMENTARY

   I am the official driveway shoveler in our household. My husband, Scott, tried it a few times and wanted to move back to California, but I enjoy the organizational challenge - figuring out where to put the snow over the course of the winter season is a puzzle. What I like best about shoveling my driveway is that my neighbors are out doing the same thing. We wave to each other. Sometimes we cross the street and help each other finish up our sidewalks. It's a time of community bonding.
   The other day while I was shoveling, one of our neighbors came out with his two little boys and their small snow shovels. The three-year-old didn't recognize me all bundled up. I heard him ask his dad as he pointed at me, "Is she our friend?" His dad laughed and told him that I was a friend. At that, the boy crossed the street and started trying to help me shovel my driveway. He thought I needed help. Best shoveling experience ever. I loved being his friend.
   Jesus Wants To Be My Friend. It Is The Reason He Came Down From Heaven And Gave His Life For Me. He Knows That I Can't Navigate This Life On My Own. I Need His Strength, Mercy, And Unending Grace To Flood My Days. He crossed the street for me, and Because Of His Deep Love, I Can Become The Person He Created Me To Be. Susanna Foth Aughtmon
   Faith Step: Jesus has called you a friend. List five ways that Jesus has been your friend this year and why you are grateful for His friendship. [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

John 15:14, 15 - Love That Results In Obedience.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221210-1029.html

John 15:14, 15 - Gods Inner Circle.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190215-0957.html

John 14:15 - Motivation for Obedience.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210925-0903.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/