This community is built on God's love.

John 15 records part of Jesus' farewell address to His disciples before the crucifixion. He wanted to make the important things very clear to them. What stands out to you as you read this passage?

John 15:9-17

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. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

The Father has unbounded, non-stop, flowing love for Jesus, and that's the kind of love He promises us. We know that the clearest way to show we love God is to obey Him. To obey Him, we must love one another. I think Jesus repeats the command to love one another here is because it's not normal for us. We are prideful, we want to be right, and we feel better about ourselves when we correct others. 

When we are loved by Jesus, when we are secure in our relationship with Him, we learn to love like He does. We are free to lay down our lives for others, out of joy. This is the fruit of knowing God. We are here to build each other up in the faith, not to argue about differences.

Romans 14:17-19

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

As you reply to comments and make posts, speak truth but don't quarrel. Let your words be full of love and peace, for building up others. Have deep compassion for your brothers and sisters as they try to follow God.