John 15:13-14 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” And what does God command? Love Him and love others. What would it look like if we all loved as God has commanded? What does loving others look like? What does knowing I’m forgiven look like? What does radical acceptance look like?
These verses speak to me as I realize I don’t live like I’m loved, forgiven and accepted. I doubt God’s love and feel alone. I’m consumed by guilt even though my sins have been paid for. I feel like an outsider when I am fully accepted into God’s waiting arms.
These verses are for you, as well. God loves YOU! God has forgiven YOU! God has accepted YOU! What does truly understanding these truths mean for how we live our lives. These gifts are for everyone. Not just those we go to church with. Not just for our intimate circle of friends. These gifts are for our enemies, adversaries and those that just drive us crazy.
Accept these truths into your heart and then use them as an impetus to love others. John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”
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