The Abiding Love of God
In the book of John, chapter 14, verses 15-21, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the abiding love of God. These verses not only convey a profound message of love but also offer insight into the relationship between Jesus, His followers, and the eternal presence of God’s love in their lives.
It is essential to understand the context in which Jesus shares these words with His disciples. This discourse takes place during the Last Supper, where Jesus is preparing His disciples for His impending departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus foretells His death, resurrection, and ascension, assuring His followers that they will not be left alone. He promises to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will abide with them forever.
Jesus declares, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the intimate connection between love and obedience. Love for Jesus is not merely an emotional sentiment; it is demonstrated through obedience to His teachings. Jesus sets forth a new commandment for His followers, that they love one another as He has loved them (John 13:34). By following this commandment, disciples demonstrate their love for both Jesus and the Father.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Jesus assures His disciples that He will not leave them as orphans (John 14:18). In verse 16, He promises to ask the Father, who will send another Helper, the Holy Spirit, to be with them forever. This promise signifies the abiding love of God. The Holy Spirit not only comforts and guides but also brings the disciples into an everlasting relationship with God. Through the Holy Spirit, the love of God remains present and active among believers.
The Indwelling of God’s Love
The disciples, being intimately connected to Jesus, will receive the Spirit of truth, who will dwell in them. This indwelling presence signifies the abiding love of God within believers. The Holy Spirit enables believers to experience the presence of God continually, providing comfort, guidance, and conviction. It is through the Holy Spirit that the love of God remains steadfast in their lives.
The Intertwined Relationship
The passage emphasizes the intertwined relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. In verse 20, Jesus says, “In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” This profound unity signifies the depth of love shared between God and His followers. Through the abiding love of God, believers are united with Jesus and participate in the divine relationship of the Father and the Son.
The Result of Abiding Love
The abiding love of God expressed through the presence of the Holy Spirit yields significant results. In verse 21, Jesus states, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers experience a profound manifestation of God’s love in their lives. They are recipients of the Father’s love, the Son’s love, and a personal revelation of Jesus Himself.
Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to be with his disciples, providing them with strength and guidance in difficult times. He emphasizes a special relationship with those who love him. This passage provides comfort and assurance to believers and reminds us of the deep love that God has for us.
God loves you as you are. God does not wait for you to prove yourself. God loves you. God does not select only those certain ones to love. God loves you. Some days, you are not at your best and answer others unkindly. God loves you. Some days are very dark and you are ready to give up. God loves you. The love of God will not end, no matter what you do. No matter where you are in this journey of life, you can rest in the knowledge that God loves you.
