Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 11, 2023
John 15:9-17
9 “As the Father loved me, I too have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I don’t call you servants any longer because servants don’t know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends because everything I heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit and so that your fruit could last. As a result, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. 17 I give you these commandments so that you can love each other.
Good Morning. Love each other, my friends!
Occasionally, I am unexpectedly moved to tears: tears of comfort are the best way to describe this experience where something in my soul is moved. Before the pandemic, I was attending Kenneth’s, my grandson, orchestra concert. When the final group of the evening was performing, I was moved to tears during one of the selections, and my heart was warmed as the music moved through my soul. I did not know the music, but it touched me deeply. Sometimes, these emotions are evoked by music, other times while reading, and other times in things I see, such as something being revealed in a different way due to changes in lighting. I certainly have experienced tears of sadness and tears of joy, but these tears are unique, and I can’t explain it.
When I read this passage this morning, I had one of those moments when my heart was warmed as I read these verses. No greater love can be shared between people than a willingness to give everything, your life, for the other person. This shift of language where Jesus now considers His followers friends, not servants is spiritually uplifting. As I continue to experience this warm feeling, I see and feel immense love, not love from a story long ago, but love here and now in this very moment. I imagine those sitting in the presence of Jesus weeping as they embrace the message. May your heart be warmed and your spirit lifted when you spend time with Jesus today.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us. Sometimes, there are no words to describe what we’re feeling. The love that you shared with us when you sent your Son to give His life on the cross is inconceivable. May we always remember and respond by sharing your love and mercy to the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the day: God loves us in ways that words cannot describe.
May you be blessed by tears of comfort! Pastor Liz
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