Spiritual Direction
Lifeless branches transfused and invigorated with Jesus’ Spirit will “bear much fruit.” In John chapter 15, Jesus claims to be the “true vine” compared to Israel, which failed its mission. God’s original purpose in gathering an ancient people to represent him to the world is now our purpose: To wholeheartedly love God and creatively and courageously love others.
Exploring
If a compelling love for God and others is not growing within us, the life of Christ is not flowing through us. There is no other conclusion to draw. Jesus says we know a tree by its fruit.[1] This is an uncomfortable truth for many.
The nature of this kind of love shapes everything about us. Our mood and manner, affections, faith, and resolve displayed during our day is perhaps the most eternally significant thing about us. It’s who we indeed are.
Living out God’s purpose in this world begins by loving others with the entirety of our being,[2] regardless of political party, vaccination status, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, social class, religious beliefs, or other. This kind of love is THE distinguishing characteristic of a transforming friendship with Jesus.[3]
The hope for our world is Christ alive in and through vitally attached “branches,” whose fruit is the transformation of one human heart at a time.
Question
In what ways does your life manifest a wholehearted love for God and a creative and courageous love for others?
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Matthew 7:16-20.
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John 13:34-35; John 15:12; John 17: 20-23; Colossians 3:14; I John 3:23.
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Unconditional love for others does not mean affirming what they believe.