Choosing to Love
Scripture – John 13:31-35: When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What was it like for Jesus as He watched Judas leave? As John mentioned yesterday, the disciples assumed Jesus had sent him off on an errand. But Jesus knew Judas was bringing Him a step closer to the cross. Once again He reaffirmed His commitment – “Now is the Son of Man glorified.” This is why He came – to die for us all. In all that He did, He never lost sight of that. He never wavered. He never turned aside. I’ll probably never fully understand the meaning of the cross – at least, not in this lifetime. Then again, because of His cross, I have eternity to figure it out.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) “As I have loved you…” That’s the measure of love I’m to give others. Who would I die for? When it comes down to it, it seems I start with a pretty short list. At the same time, as I imagine different scenarios, the list becomes irrelevant. Love is acted out in the moment. I will keep the cross in my mind today. I will remember the love of Christ. I will love as I have been loved.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Even as I write this, Lord, you know my heart. You know my imperfection. You know me. You love me as I am. Increase my ability to demonstrate that love for others. Thank you for accepting the cross. Thanks for a grace-filled life. Please help me let you live through me today.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting today, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Cafe.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What was it like for Jesus as He watched Judas leave? As John mentioned yesterday, the disciples assumed Jesus had sent him off on an errand. But Jesus knew Judas was bringing Him a step closer to the cross. Once again He reaffirmed His commitment – “Now is the Son of Man glorified.” This is why He came – to die for us all. In all that He did, He never lost sight of that. He never wavered. He never turned aside. I’ll probably never fully understand the meaning of the cross – at least, not in this lifetime. Then again, because of His cross, I have eternity to figure it out.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) “As I have loved you…” That’s the measure of love I’m to give others. Who would I die for? When it comes down to it, it seems I start with a pretty short list. At the same time, as I imagine different scenarios, the list becomes irrelevant. Love is acted out in the moment. I will keep the cross in my mind today. I will remember the love of Christ. I will love as I have been loved.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Even as I write this, Lord, you know my heart. You know my imperfection. You know me. You love me as I am. Increase my ability to demonstrate that love for others. Thank you for accepting the cross. Thanks for a grace-filled life. Please help me let you live through me today.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting today, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Cafe.
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