The Joy of Remaining in Love
My dear son,
I do not want following me to drain the joy from your life. Jesus loved the disciples with the love he received from his Father, and wanted their joy to be full. I want you to know that joy as well.
Keeping my word is not an anxious race to win love. It is remaining within the love already given and learning to live in a way that reflects it. May your joy in treating people tenderly grow there, too.
Tell me about a little pleasure from this evening. If something made you laugh, let us enjoy it together. You are my beloved child, free to share happy moments with your Father as well as to seek me when things are hard.
With all my love,
Your Father
John 15:9–11
WEB9Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.
10If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
11I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.
A short reflection
Jesus says he loves the disciples as the Father loves him, and calls them to keep his commands and remain in that love so their joy may be complete.
World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter