My Job is to Love

I was reading John 15 this morning and I saw where I‘d written in the margin, “I don’t want to be loved by the world, but I want to produce fruit...” I decided to read back through chapters 14-16 to face that again. Here’s my summary, if it will help anyone else with that question. 

John 14:21 Jesus loves us. When we remain in his love and follow his commands, He will reveal himself to us. 

John 15:12, 17 We are commanded to love one another like Jesus loves us. (That is an accepting, compassionate, sacrificial love.)

John 15:22, 24 Jesus showed the world their sin, and the world had to deal with it. They could see he had authority because of his works. They were convicted, so they hated him and his Father. 

John 15:26-27 The Spirit testifies about Jesus. Those who know him, are to testify as well. 

John 16:8 When Jesus left, he sent the Spirit, who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. And, he guides us in all Truth. 

My conclusion: Jesus loves me and wants me to be with him. I love him, and I choose to remain in his love and keep his commands. He commanded me to love others, and to tell people about my experience with him. He’s given me the Spirit, who guides me in Truth. 

Jesus convicted the world of sin, then he sent the Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. (Many will hate that.)

My job is to lead with love and point people to Jesus. I’ll leave the convicting and the judging to the Authorities. 

I’m so grateful for His unconditional, merciful, sacrificial love.

Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash