Together in Christ: 'Centering Relationships on Our Love for God!' — John 14:15-17

Sunday, October 15, 2023

[Jesus continued teaching his disciples:] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."
— John 14:15-17 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus was clear that the two centering principles that His disciples would use to orient their lives are loving God and loving our neighbor. [1] While these are two commands, in the teaching of Jesus and His apostles, these two were inseparable. They are different sides to the same coin. We cannot love God, Whom we have not seen, and without loving people, we have seen. [2] We cannot love people fully unless we love God and understand His deep desire to love people. [3]

Throughout our year of devotionals on relationships, we have spent a great deal of time focusing on the relationship God wants to have with us, His love for us, His presence in us, and His love shared through us. Our relationship with God is pivotal for each of us to have healthy and redemptive relationships with others. So, please, dear friend in Christ, hear how much God loves you. The Creator sent His Son to show you His love. The Lord Almighty created a plan to save you. Your Father promised to come and make his home within you. Draw near to Him. Love Him. Invite Him to love others through you. Our relationships must be centered in our love for God!

[1] Matthew 22:36-40.
[2] 1 John 4:20.
[3] John 3:16-17; Romans 5:6-11.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, You have revealed Yourself to me as my Abba Father, loving Savior, and indwelling Spirit. Thank You for all the ways You have chosen to display Your love, lavish Your grace, and infuse me with Your power. Draw me closer to You as I seek to show my love to You through the words of my mouth, the affections of my heart, and the actions of my daily life. I want You to know my love for You just as much as You receive my praise offered to You in worship. Thank You for first loving me. Please use my life to share Your love with others. I ask this to bring You glory! Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 3:16-21
  • 1 John 3:16-18, 4:7-12

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Illustration

Illustration of John 14:15-17 NLT — [Jesus continued teaching his disciples:] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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