Today in the Word
• from moody press
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
❤️ ONE ANOTHER
{Even when it's heard}
• John 15:9–17
Have you ever been the recipient of an act of love that moved your heart deeply?
Imagine how the disciples felt when Jesus washed their feet and then spoke these three words to them: “Love one another”
(v. 17). They had just completed their Passover meal when Jesus urged them to be bonded together by love.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. JOHN 15:12
What was the significance of this command?
The Moody Bible Institute Commentary provides this answer: “The command to love requires a supernatural component to fulfill, requires faith, and is more a choice than an emotion.”
In this study, we take a deep dive into this passage to better understand Jesus’ desire for us to live in the Christian community.*
In John 15, Jesus said that when we remain in His love and have love for one another, our joy will be complete (vv. 10–11). In other words, true joy can only be experienced when it comes from an outpouring of sacrificial and selfless love.
You know this to be true if you have ever celebrated the success of a child, grandchild, or friend. We take joy not in ourselves, but in someone else.
Next, Jesus shared that the greatest type of love is sacrificial (v. 13). Here He was foreshadowing His death on the cross. Jesus longed for His followers to become closer to one another. Notice that He used the word “friends” in verses 14–15. In today’s context, this means that as Christ followers we are no longer just associates, but family, chosen for the purpose of bearing fruit (v. 16). If you are a follower of Jesus, you have become a part of His family, and are commanded to “love one another”
(v. 17).
>> Consider the closest people in your life. What makes your relationship with them special? invite them to join you in a Bible study, learning how you
can grow together in Christ.
~
Dr. Chris Rappazini a graduate of Moody Bible Institute
*Edited by: Chaplain Lewis
*This still applies today *
Healing the Racial Divide
With Pastor Tony Evan
*Ephesians 4:
2. With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
*This still applies today *
Healing the Racial Divide
With Pastor Tony Evan
*Ephesians 4:
2. With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Dear Friend,
Among the ongoing struggles we face as a culture are the ongoing racial divisions that keep us apart.
And such divisions are not just found in the culture at large, but also within the church.
The divisions are wide and the problem isn’t easily solved, but through an understanding of God’s purposes we can start the process of healing.
Healing can begin* through God’s kingdom agenda plan.*
Then we need to understand God’s purposes for unity in the body of Christ and the part that race plays in His plan.
*the message of reconciliation to a world that needs it so much.
For His kingdom,
Tony Evans pastor
Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship -
The Urban Alternative© 2001-2022
*Edited by
Chap Lewis
John 3:16
1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or
Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
In Jesus Christ alone ❗️