In John 15, Jesus teaches us to remain in his love because apart from him we can do nothing. Remaining in God’s love might sound like another box to check off in the Christian life, but it is much more than that. If we remain in God’s love, we will bear much fruit, but if we do not, then we will be like a branch that withers and is thrown into the fire. So then, remaining in God’s love is not just part of the Christian life. It is the Christian life. It is the most important part. It’s the difference between life and death. Success and failure.

Misconceptions

At first, the command to remain in God’s love might sound like Jesus is telling us to remain lovable by God. But this can’t be what it means because of the simple fact that God already loves us more than he ever will. He loved us while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). We don’t need to earn his love. It was already given to us in Jesus.

We might think that remaining (or abiding) in his love means to spend more time in the Word. And while this is a great idea, this is not what it means either. It doesn’t say to spend a few minutes or even an hour; it says to remain. To stay and not depart.

So then, what does it mean to “remain in his love”?

First, we need to understand what God’s love is.

This is Love

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” God’s love can be broken down into three main parts:

• it gives sacrificially.
• it satisfies abundantly.
• it commands completely.

God loved us so much that he sacrificially gave his only son to satisfy our greatest need (a Savior) and our greatest desire (to be loved). Now he commands us to respond by loving him and loving others. This command is not an option if we wish to abide. (John 15:14). It is how we abide.

Do you see what this is? God’s love is a cycle that gives, satisfies, and commands.

It is like an assembly line. We receive the love of God in one hand while we give it away with the other. Remaining in God’s love is about getting caught in the current of his sacrificial love for us and perpetuating it to others. It’s like a fountain. Once it is filled, it spills over. As God forgave us, we forgive others. He gave his life for us; so we lay down our life for others. As he served us, we serve others.

Completing the Circuit

If you’ve ever tried to string Christmas lights on a tree only to find that half of the lights don’t work, you’ve experienced how frustrating and disappointing an incomplete circuit could be. If we receive the gift of God’s love and enjoy it, but never perpetuate it, then we are like an open circuit. We are left feeling empty and without purpose.

Completes our Joy.

But when we obey God’s greatest command to love him and love others, we complete the circuit of God’s love in us. Jesus said that if we keep his commandment to remain in the cycle of love, our joy will be made complete. We know during the holiday season that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” And this is why. When we give selflessly to others, we are walking in our purpose.

Completes our Purpose.

When we remain in God’s love, we will bear fruit. The fruit of love that manifests itself in joy, peace, patience, gentleness, forbearance, and self-control. This is living our best life. We don’t need to strive to make a difference or an impact when we are doing what we were meant to do for the glory of God. We were meant to bear fruit that lasts, the fruit of love.

As we enter 2024, may we resolve to remain in God’s love. May we be intentional to seek opportunities to be a “living sacrifice” as we bear the cross of selflessness, imitating and perpetuating the unfailing love of Jesus to those he has placed in our lives.

⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command.” —John 15:9-14