Romans 12:2
January 2, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 2 JANUARY
January 2, 2025
THE 2nd OF JANUARY
REMAINING IN JESUS’ LOVE, WE HAVE FULL JOY
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:9-12
Our God loves us to the fullest and unconditionally. God is love and we should believe totally when Jesus says that He loves us just as He is loved by His Father. The more we obey God, the happier we become. As we try to please those that we love inorder to see them happy and smiling, we should also want to please God, to abide in Him all the time, to live in obedience to His Will and to constantly communicate with Him through the Holy Spirit.
Obeying the command of loving one another is very helpful for us. When someone that we love hurts us, it is easier not to be offended or hurt by their words and actions, than when someone else hurts us. We give grace to those we care for. The more we love people, the more we experience the fullness of the joy of the Lord filling our hearts. In loving others, we become more blessed and live happier lives.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Dear Lord, instill in me Your love, so that I love those that do not love me and also those who I have no liking for. I cannot do it on my own strength, but with You all things are possible. Help me obey Your commands, grow in Your “agape” love and live in obedience to You. Help me abide in Your love so that Your joy will remain in me, and that my joy may be full and I can be Yours forever. Amen
