John 15:9-11 NRSVue

⁹As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. ¹⁰If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
There are times when I seem to understand what this love means. Paul spoke of the love of God which is poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who is given to us. Sometimes we can experience that love going through us, giving us joy in loving others. There is an energy in us which is not of our making. I think of one or two friends who radiate contentment; I think they are abiding in God's love, and feeling joy from it. Lord, maybe you will one day surprise me with this joy.

Reflection
The deepest joys and satisfactions of life have to do with our experience of loving and being loved. Parents live forever in the atmosphere of the love they always have for their children. Love of friends is strong and lasts. Love enables us to die for others, love spends itself for another. Only love lasts as a motive for any good we want to do. Jesus knows that and links love and joy. Prayer nourishes love, and is at the service of love, the greatest of God's gifts.

Reflection
The place of these words of Jesus is at the last Supper, so the writers are giving a pride of place to them - among his last words. The last words of anyone are generally well remembered. The full place of love in the Christian life is highlighted. All else flows from the love of God and ourselves uniting us together. Love of this kind leads to joy. We see Jesus as one who gifts us with joy and with love.

Reflection
The way of Jesus is the way of fullest human love and fulfilment. His commands are not just for our duty, but are our path to joy and love in life. The love he means is the love that is welcoming, accepting and forgiving of others, as best we can. It is the love that joins his followers together. Without this love, the following of Jesus is empty and dry. His way of life is not just taught but shown to us by the way he lives.

Reflection
Jesus wants to set me free. I realise that I do not have to earn anything and become aware that I cannot do so. As I come before God, I loosen my grip on my own intentions and plans. Praying for freedom, I share the joy of Jesus.

Reflection
Jesus gives freely of the love of God, holding nothing back. I think of those people and situations that I deal with. I ask for the help I need to bring God's love to bear on them.