Introduction

Good morning, family.

As we gather here today, I'm reminded of a quote from Pope Francis, "We learn many virtues in our Christian families. Above all, we learn to love, asking nothing in return."

Today, we're going to talk about God's incredible love for us and the joy that comes when we, as His children, come together as one big, loving family. We'll be diving into John 15:12-17. It reads,

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."

In these verses, Jesus isn’t just talking about love - He's commanding it. He's showing us that in the family of God, love isn't optional, it's essential. And when we follow His command, not out of obligation, but out of genuine love for each other, we experience joy like never before.

God's Love in the Family of God

In the family of God, love is the cornerstone. It is the foundation upon which all other virtues are built. It is the glue that binds us together, the force that unites us, and the light that guides us. This love, however, is not a mere human emotion or feeling. It is a divine attribute, a reflection of God's own character, and a manifestation of His presence among us.

Immeasurable and incomprehensible: It is a love that surpasses human understanding, a love that is unconditional, unchanging, and unending. This love is not based on our worthiness or our performance, but on God's own nature and character. God is love, and His love for us is a reflection of who He is.

Something we are called to give: We are called to love each other as God has loved us. This means loving each other unconditionally, without expecting anything in return. It means forgiving each other, supporting each other, and bearing each other's burdens. It means being patient, kind, and understanding with each other, even when it's hard.

A sacrificial love: Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." Jesus demonstrated this love by laying down His own life for us. In the family of God, we are called to love each other in the same way. This means being willing to sacrifice our own comfort, convenience, and even our own desires for the sake of others. It means putting the needs of others before our own, and seeking their good above our own.

Not easy: It requires humility, selflessness, and a willingness to die to ourselves. But it is also the most fulfilling and rewarding kind of love. It is the kind of love that brings true joy, peace, and satisfaction. It is the kind of love that transforms us, shapes us, and makes us more like Christ.

A privilege: We have the privilege of being loved by God, and the privilege of loving others in His name. We have the privilege of being part of a family where love is the rule, not the exception. We have the privilege of experiencing the joy, the peace, and the fulfillment that comes from loving and being loved.

It’s about actions: It is not just about words, but about deeds. It is not just about what we say, but about what we do. It is about showing kindness, compassion, and generosity. It is about serving, giving, and caring. It is about making a difference in the lives of others, not for our own sake, but for the sake of Christ.

Love is the key to unity: It is the bond that holds us together, the force that unites us, and the power that enables us to overcome our differences and disagreements. It is the love of God that brings us together, keeps us together, and makes us one.

God's Command to Love One Another

In the passage from John 15, Jesus gives a clear command to His followers: "Love each other as I have loved you ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO