What Jesus Did! 'Where Love Is Shared, Joy Overflows' — John 15:11-14

Thursday, October 8, 2026

[Jesus continued,] "I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command."
— John 15:11-14 NLT

Key Thought

What a wonderful blessing it is to be loved! We know God loves us with an everlasting love. He has called us into a family of love. He blesses us each out of his love for us. But Jesus, of course, is God's greatest example of love. When this love fills your heart and rescues you from sin and death, there will be joy!

Today's Prayer

Almighty and loving Father, God of all peoples, help me as I learn to be a more sacrificial and loving blessing to others. Keep my heart pure and my faith passionate. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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17 Related Resources by Heartlight

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Love e-card of John 15:12 - Love One Another.
The Greatest Love
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Inspirational illustration of John 15:13 -- Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Ministering to Our Friends
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How do we make life among our friends more enjoyable? Friends can help friends if they love them and minister to them.
See All 17 Related Resources about John 15:11-14

Illustration

Illustration of John 15:11-14 NLT — There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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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