Chapter 2: Jesus Redirects Our Lives toward Love

In John 14:15, Christ says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” 

When you read that, slow down and hear the first part of the verse. Just hear Jesus saying, “If you love me…” What a life-changing IF!

Is it true? Do you love Him?

What a wonderful Jesus – that He would simplify our lives in this way of love.

Do you remember when He asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15–19). He was kneading the love dough in Peter’s heart.

Do you remember when the Pharisees asked Jesus for the “greatest commandment in the law” (Matthew 22:34–40)? Jesus directed them right to LOVE. Very simple, but very life-altering. “Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

LOVE.

Love God – and love those around you.

What is it in our wayward and meandering souls that will always take us away from that LOVE?

Jesus always wants to draw us back to that simple love.

And as He draws us, let us ask: What is this love? What is this word we’ve become so accustomed to? Is it vanilla or is it fire? Is it boring and commonplace, or is it the most explosive thing ever?

Love is real. Love is emotional. Love is full. Love is inside you. Love is in your heart. Love is not something you can theorize. Love is not something you can just think about. Love is not something you can claim to have but not have. Love is real. Love is burning. Love is warm. Love takes time. Love takes time out of the day. Love…loves.

Love is ultimately other-centered, unconditional, burning affection. 

So as you hear the sweet voice of Jesus redirecting you toward love, consider this:

Love will make your heart other-centered. It will start to pull you away from ego and self. It will propel you outward, toward the needs around you. It will make you sensitive and compassionate.

Love will make your heart unconditional. Love will start to melt the judgment in your heart. It will take the conditions away. Instead of saying, “Once they change, I will care,” it will say, “I will care, whether they change or not!”

And Love will swell your heart with burning affection. Christ-like love does not enable us to say, “I love them, but I don’t like them.” True love is burning affection. It involves the emotions, and it actually cares.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your mighty redirect!