friends.

Tonight was my first Bible study for ADPi.  Three girls came, a few less than I was expecting, but four turned out to be a good number.  For the rest of the semester, we've decided to study the fruits of the spirit, but tonight we studied 1 John 2:7-17, with a connection to John 15: 9-17.

"Whoever says, "I am in the light," while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness." 1 John 2: 9

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15: 12-13

friends.

Jesus considered his disciples his friends.   And loved them like friends.  How powerful is that?  Their servitude was not one of bondage; it was one of love.  Mutual love.  Unconditional love.

How many people in my life do I love like that?  And I mean truly love them, like Jesus loved his disciples?  And what about those who I don't particularly get along with?  Jesus calls me to love them too.  How well do I love those people?

This weekend, I get to see some friends.  How well will I love them this weekend?  Better than the last time I saw them?  Definitely.  As well as Jesus calls me to love them? I hope so.

Oh Lord, this new path that you have put me on, this new burning desire in my heart that I have for You...I'm loving it.