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In Jn 13 Jesus has just washed the disciples’ feet, commanded they love one another, and told Peter he will deny Him 3 times. Jesus sensed their anxiety rising for the next chapter begins: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” That’s an imperative BELIEVE in Me! I’m going away, preparing a place for you with My Father, and I WILL come back for you.
Jn 14 is all comfort and assurance. But vs 15 can be really anxiety producing when read out of context by a LAWman w/o the grace of God. What’s it say, you ask?
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The LAWman, who say God loves you but He kind of hates you too, thinks it reads, “You must prove your love for Me by keeping my commandments.” Don’t YOU read it that way, my friend! Chill!
Jesus is speaking comforting words, assuring words this entire chapter. Jesus is simply saying, when you love Him, it is going to show to others. They will see you walking in His words, instructions, commands.
Think of a child, perhaps your own, who loves their parents. They don’t go around worrying, “I have to prove my love for my parents. I have to obey every word they say. It’s all about obedience.” NO WAY! Because they love you, they ‘naturally’ follow what you tell them. Simple? SIMPLE! So, RELAX.
See the Love of God at Calvary. Receive the love of God. Experience True Love. Let it fill the voids in your life, heal all the hurts and disappointments and rejection. As you allow His love to embrace you, you will find your capacity to love in return increasing – to the point of loving others as He has loved you.
Keep His word (that’s Jn 14:23)? Now don’t get anxious! For in vs 26 Jesus tell us, “…the Helper, the Holy Spirit, …will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” Yes, love God, you’ll know by the Spirit what He is saying –and by His grace you’ll be doing it. Do your realize — you have — COME ALIVE!
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