In John 15:9, Jesus commands His disciples to abide in His love, establishing a foundation rooted in the perfect love between the Father and the Son. This love is eternal and pure, reflecting God’s very nature. As 1 John 4:16 states, “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” This invitation flows from God’s unchanging character, not human merit. Let’s explore this abiding love and its impact on our identity and relationship with Christ.
The love between the Father and the Son is perfect and eternal, reflecting God’s divine nature. Jesus’ relationship with the Father serves as the model and source of our connection to God. Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love” (John 15:9). Christ extends the same love that He receives from the Father to us, a love that is unchanging and consistent.The love Jesus invites us to experience is sacrificial and unconditional, unlike human love, often marked by self-interest. God’s love flows from His very essence. 1 John 4:16 reminds us, “God is love.” It is not earned but freely given, based on God’s desire for us to experience His fullness.
Abiding in God’s love redefines our identity. We are no longer defined by failures or successes but by His love. Jesus calls us to rest in this assurance. As branches connected to the vine, our purpose and identity flow from this life-giving connection. God’s love is constant, rooted in His unchanging character. Unlike human relationships, which can be unstable, God’s love remains unwavering. This constancy calls us to trust in Him wholeheartedly, finding peace and assurance in His unchanging nature. As we abide in this love, let us embrace our identity as God’s beloved children and extend His love to others. May we continually dwell in this love and allow it to transform our lives and relationships.