06/03/2026
Jesus gives us a simple but profound instruction in John 15:9-10: "As the father loved me, I have also loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my father's commandments and abide in his love."
To abide means to remain, to stay, to make your home in something. Jesus invites us to make our home in His love. Not to visit occasionally, not to check in when we need something, but to live there permanently.
This abiding is connected to obedience. Not obedience born from fear or duty, but obedience flowing from love. When we understand how deeply we're loved, keeping His commandments becomes less about obligation and more about relationship. We follow Him because we love Him, not because we're afraid of Him.
When earthly friendships fade, remember this truth: God will never leave you or forsake you because He is your friend! Abide in His love and follow His commandments - this is what it truly means to be a friend of God