7 May, Friday – His Greatest Commandment

Friday of the 5th Week of Eastertide

Acts 15:22-31
Jn 15:12-17

“What I command you is to love one another.”

While this is a familiar scripture passage which I have come across countless times, what struck me as I reflected upon today’s gospel is verse 16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you …”

Prior to me attending the Conversion Experience Retreat in May 2016, I had always prided myself on being rather independent; not needing any support nor help from anyone as I believed I had the strength, knowledge and understanding to push on in life. Of course, looking back, I realized how foolish I had been and how difficult my ways were! When I let go and let God, I discovered a new-found freshness and aliveness as I abide in Him.

Of course, because of our fallen nature, I do not come close to His definition of love. But I do have Jesus as my role model, and every time I fall short of this commandment to love, I pick myself up, dust myself off and try again. This is how I am responding to His love, how can I not? When I have learnt that there is nothing I can do to ever win His love and the love he has for me has always been there — “HE CHOSE ME”! He loves me without any condition and I do not need to do anything to earn this love. So, the least I can do is respond to Him in all my brokenness and offer up to him my sinful ways but the key is…I keep trying!

Is it difficult to love as He does? Of course, but life will be worthless, if, in the face of difficulties, we just give up, sit back and throw our hands up in vain, wouldn’t it? Humanity would not have progressed, if everyone took this attitude towards hardship and tribulation. Most, if not all, of advancement in humanity was forged through perseverance and grit. But for me, the big difference now is that the Father has revealed to me through Jesus, His key to salvation! I would rather strive in His vineyard with Jesus by my side, than out in the desert on my own!

(Today’s OXYGEN by Lorraine Wong)

Prayer: Father God, we pray that we never give up on my work towards agape love

Thanksgiving: We thank you for choosing us as your children and sending Jesus on earth to walk the talk and show us what you mean by Love.