"I chose you."

John 15:16-17, You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Jesus Christ laid down His life for those whom He calls friends and He has done the same for us all. Even knowing that we would all be born rebels, He still did this, and He chose us, called us and has now appointed us to bear fruit that lasts! He calls us to show His love for each other, to bring glory to the name of the Father in all that we do and say. Are we willing to do likewise and lay down our life for our friends?

We seek to abide in You, Lord, that Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

ESV Lectionary