“Now remain in my love.” — John 15:9b
Most decisions we face each day present us with choices that have either loving or unloving implications. Which will we choose? Jesus counsels us to remain in his love. Remaining in his love is different from having syrupy feelings for Jesus. Jesus is presenting a choice of residences. We could live in a world ruled by hatred and brokenness. That is the realm of sin. Or, we could live in a world where God’s unconditional love is the governing standard. That is where Jesus resides. Jesus advises us to live in his world, and not just that, but to remain there.
So when enemies provoke us to respond in anger, remain in his love. When we are tempted to further our interests at the expense of others, remain in his love. In times when our faith in God’s goodness is attacked, resolve to remain in his love. You might not feel like it. In the moment, you might want to live elsewhere. But really, there is no better place to be than God’s love.
