Devotion:
Read John 15:12-17.
It's not always easy to love people. Jesus commands us to love people and we still struggle to make loving others a priority in our life. Loving people is hard because we want them to love us first and they may be drastically different than us. We often love ourselves and are selfish in giving out love to others. If given a choice, we wouldn't make any effort to love others; but Jesus didn't give his disciples a choice. He makes the command plain even if it is difficult. I believe Jesus knows this is difficult, that's why he offers instructions on the topic. Jesus wants us to love others as He loves us.
The more I become aware that I am infinitely loved by Jesus, the more I am able to share that reservoir of love with people who need it. I should not wait for the other person to love me, just as God does not wait on my love but initiates the relationship.
A few hymns that come into my mind about Jesus being my friend:
“What a friend we have in Jesus!”
“Jesus! What a friend for sinners, Jesus lover of my soul!”
“I’ve found a friend, O, such a friend! He loved me ere I knew Him.”
“I’ve found a friend who is all to me, His love is ever true.”
“There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no not one, no not one!”
Personal Worship Option:
Dear God, help us to embrace your endless love and to reach out and share love with others who we meet.
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