Remain in God's love

It’s strange how quickly we can turn God’s love into something we nod at — and then hurry past.

We teach the children to sing about it.

We preach about it.

We quote verses about it.

But many of us live as if love is just the beginning.

As if it were the entrance.

And now it's about something else.

Something more mature.

Something more serious.

Something more demanding.

But Jesus says something entirely different.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Remain in my love.

John 15:9

He doesn't say: "Understand my love, and then move on."

He says: Remain.

That's a powerful word.

Remain.

Live there.

Move in there.

Make your home there.

It says something important about the Christian life:

You don't graduate from God's love.

You don't grow past it.

You don't move on to something higher.

Love is not the beginner's stage.

Love is the very center.

Maybe that's one of the reasons so many burn out.

We try to live strong without living deep.

We try to do much for God without remaining in the place where the heart is fed.

We want fruit.

But we forget to stay on the branch.

Jesus knows full well what's coming for the disciples.

He speaks these words the evening before the cross.

Before the denial.

Before the betrayal.

Before the shaking.

And what does he give them?

Not just instructions.

Not just exhortations.

Not just a plan.

He gives them a place to live:

Remain in my love.

That's how weak people are carried through violent shaking.

Not just by willpower.

But by love.

That's also why this isn't just about feelings.

To remain in Jesus' love doesn't mean simply trying to feel a certain way.

It means letting your inner life take root in what he has said is true.

Returning to it again and again.

When the accusation comes.

When you feel inadequate.

When you compare yourself to others.

When you fail.

When you're tired.

When you feel you should be further along.

Then Jesus doesn't say:

Pull yourself together.

He says:

Remain in my love.

That's where the transformation happens.

Not only in activity.

But in nearness.

Not only in struggle.

But in being anchored.

Not only in doing.

But in remaining.

There are many Christians who live their whole lives as if they're trying to get into a room they're already in.

They try to be accepted.

Try to be worthy.

Try to be loved.

Try to gain access.

But what Jesus is really saying is:

You're already inside.

Now remain.

That's something entirely different.

Maybe that's exactly what your heart is longing for.

Not more pressure.

Not another spiritual project.

Not more self-improvement.

But a home.

A place where you don't have to prove anything.

A place where you can breathe.

A place where love isn't the reward for a good Christian life, but the very soil it grows in.

Remain in my love.

It's not just an invitation.

It's a way.

A home.

And maybe the place you've been heading toward all along.