John 15:5‭, ‬12 - Love Like Jesus (Bible Journal)

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you (John 15:5‭, ‬12 NLT)."

Jesus promises to stay with those who follow Him, along with promising to empower those that stay a productive life, and He also gives a command: to love others as He has loved us. This is great food for thought on this Holy Week as we prepare to honor His death and resurrection. He loves me and He loves you, despite our many, many, many shortcomings. Speaking of shortcomings, I have been hit or miss with making time for Him this season, falling far short on some of my Lent goals. I find myself being very impatient with others and myself. I constantly make mistakes that I know I should be avoiding. Yet, He loves me all the same. This is something I need to meditate on the next time someone gives me a hard time or intentionally pushes buttons: He loves me when I no doubt test His seemingly never ending patience, and I need to go out and love in the same way.

Thank You Lord for loving me through the good, bad, and ugly sides of me. Thank You for the timely reminder that I need to work on loving others the same way, including those that are difficult. Please help me remember that I don't have to work on this alone, and can turn to You to learn how to love others well. Please help me to always appreciate when others love me despite the difficulties I present to them as well. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.