Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 15, 2024
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! Bless the Lord, O My Soul!
What does it mean to love one another? Children provide some of the greatest examples of love.
I see a child, face splotched, hands dirty, and pants askew, looking up at me and offering some of the cookie he holds in his hand. On another day, I see a little girl running to give me a bouquet of flowers that are actually wilted weeds that she is tightly grasping in her hands.
Each of the gifts these children offer is worthless in monetary value, but they represent so much more. The child is offering all he or she has to give you. These gifts are priceless and show unconditional love. They don’t give because someone told them to give; they give because they want to share something special, a part of themselves, with you.
Jesus came and taught us how to love one another by his example, but as adults our ability to love is tempered by our challenging life experiences. We don’t trust a simple gesture of love as a child does. We are wary of accepting others as friends because we fear they might hurt us somehow. Jesus calls us friends even though he knows that we will turn against him, call for his crucifixion, and deny him when we fear for our own safety.
Who does Jesus see when he looks at us? Does he see beyond the mess that we have created? Can we let go of our fears and doubts and offer Christ all we have to give?
Forget how you look and run to Jesus with your hands outstretched with that dirty cookie or fistful of wilted weeds. Give and be blessed by your friend, Jesus.
Dear Lord, We are your children! Help us shed the tough skins we have woven so that our softer, vulnerable selves are visible. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Our words and actions can show God’s love to those around us.
Give and receive as friends of Jesus! Pastor Liz
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