JESUS SAID, “ABIDE IN MY LOVE.”

Easier said than done when you are:

• Fighting time pressures.

• Facing unrealistic expectations from clients.

• Struggling with gnarled traffic and self-serving fellow-workers.

So, how is it possible to abide in His love? Let’s take it a step at a time: Jesus said, “Just as the

Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.” (John 15:9)

“JUST AS THE FATHER HAS LOVED ME… ”

The love of the Father for the Son is unconditional, all-encompassing, unchanging and

eternal. Christ has always lived in the Father’s love.

“I HAVE ALSO LOVED YOU… ”

In like manner, Christ’s love for us is of the same quality as the Father’s love for His Son.

Whether we “perform” or not, His love is there! Whether we “feel” close to Him or not His

love is there! Whether we have spent time with Him or not His love is there: Encircling

us, unconditional… unceasing.

“ABIDE IN MY LOVE… ”

Jesus extends Himself to us by saying in effect, “My love for you is available now. You don’t

have to work or beg for it. Just accept it and rest in it. Because I have already paid the price for your

sin, I offer My love to you freely. Simply live in it. Freely drink of it.”

To abide in His love, we need to understand two truths: First, Christ’s love for us is

unconditional. Second, experiencing His love is predicated upon obedience to His word:

“If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commands

and remain in His love.” (John 15:10 )

As Jesus experienced the Father’s love through obedience to His will, so we experience

Jesus’ love through uncompromising obedience to His word.

“Abide in My love.” This is Jesus’ gracious invitation to you today. Take Him at His word

and enjoy what He died to give you: His loving friendship.