It\u2019s strange how quickly we can turn God\u2019s love into something we nod at \u2014 and then hurry past.<\/p>\n
We teach the children to sing about it.<\/p>\n
We preach about it.<\/p>\n
We quote verses about it.<\/p>\n
But many of us live as if love is just the beginning.<\/p>\n
As if it were the entrance.<\/p>\n
And now it's about something else.<\/p>\n
Something more mature.<\/p>\n
Something more serious.<\/p>\n
Something more demanding.<\/p>\n
But Jesus says something entirely different.<\/p>\n
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Remain in my love.<\/p>\n
John 15:9<\/p>\n
He doesn't say: \"Understand my love, and then move on.\"<\/p>\n
He says: Remain.<\/p>\n
That's a powerful word.<\/p>\n
Remain.<\/p>\n
Live there.<\/p>\n
Move in there.<\/p>\n
Make your home there.<\/p>\n
It says something important about the Christian life:<\/p>\n
You don't graduate from God's love.<\/p>\n
You don't grow past it.<\/p>\n
You don't move on to something higher.<\/p>\n
Love is not the beginner's stage.<\/p>\n
Love is the very center.<\/p>\n
Maybe that's one of the reasons so many burn out.<\/p>\n
We try to live strong without living deep.<\/p>\n
We try to do much for God without remaining in the place where the heart is fed.<\/p>\n
We want fruit.<\/p>\n
But we forget to stay on the branch.<\/p>\n
Jesus knows full well what's coming for the disciples.<\/p>\n
He speaks these words the evening before the cross.<\/p>\n
Before the denial.<\/p>\n
Before the betrayal.<\/p>\n
Before the shaking.<\/p>\n
And what does he give them?<\/p>\n
Not just instructions.<\/p>\n
Not just exhortations.<\/p>\n
Not just a plan.<\/p>\n
He gives them a place to live:<\/p>\n
Remain in my love.<\/p>\n
That's how weak people are carried through violent shaking.<\/p>\n
Not just by willpower.<\/p>\n
But by love.<\/p>\n
That's also why this isn't just about feelings.<\/p>\n
To remain in Jesus' love doesn't mean simply trying to feel a certain way.<\/p>\n
It means letting your inner life take root in what he has said is true.<\/p>\n
Returning to it again and again.<\/p>\n
When the accusation comes.<\/p>\n
When you feel inadequate.<\/p>\n
When you compare yourself to others.<\/p>\n
When you fail.<\/p>\n
When you're tired.<\/p>\n
When you feel you should be further along.<\/p>\n
Then Jesus doesn't say:<\/p>\n
Pull yourself together.<\/p>\n
He says:<\/p>\n
Remain in my love.<\/p>\n
That's where the transformation happens.<\/p>\n
Not only in activity.<\/p>\n
But in nearness.<\/p>\n
Not only in struggle.<\/p>\n
But in being anchored.<\/p>\n
Not only in doing.<\/p>\n
But in remaining.<\/p>\n
There are many Christians who live their whole lives as if they're trying to get into a room they're already in.<\/p>\n
They try to be accepted.<\/p>\n
Try to be worthy.<\/p>\n
Try to be loved.<\/p>\n
Try to gain access.<\/p>\n
But what Jesus is really saying is:<\/p>\n
You're already inside.<\/p>\n
Now remain.<\/p>\n
That's something entirely different.<\/p>\n
Maybe that's exactly what your heart is longing for.<\/p>\n
Not more pressure.<\/p>\n
Not another spiritual project.<\/p>\n
Not more self-improvement.<\/p>\n
But a home.<\/p>\n
A place where you don't have to prove anything.<\/p>\n
A place where you can breathe.<\/p>\n
A place where love isn't the reward for a good Christian life, but the very soil it grows in.<\/p>\n
Remain in my love.<\/p>\n
It's not just an invitation.<\/p>\n
It's a way.<\/p>\n
A home.<\/p>\n
And maybe the place you've been heading toward all along.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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