November 29, 2020 -- John 15:17 -- Commanded Love

These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

John 15:17 English Standard Version

The count is on. This is the First Sunday in Advent—there are a total of four Sundays of Advent—and then it is Christmas. This marks the time between Jesus’ birth as a baby in Bethlehem and the anticipated time when He shall return in glory. We remember Christmas because it teaches us of God’s great love shown to us in Jesus Christ. We celebrate Christmas with the glowing expectation of the moment when the heavens will be filled with the majesty of Jesus and brilliance of all His holy angels as He gathers His people to Himself for eternal life in His presence.

In the previous verse Jesus taught His followers that by the power of the Father they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the strength of the Spirit followers of Jesus Christ can live for Jesus and in so doing bless others. Jesus told believers they are appointed to “bear fruit”. “Fruit-bearing” means using your gifts and abilities, your talents and likes in order to encourage others in the blessed Name of Jesus.

For example, recently at our home Carolyn and I hosted two young men as we watched church and then ate lunch. These young men are attending a recovery centre so it is rare to go off-site. I can do so in these Covid-19 times because I am volunteer staff there and as staff am part of their one-household bubble. As the men left they said to Carolyn, “thanks for hosting us”.

When I returned home Carolyn said, “Why did they thank me?” A bit of background might be necessary. I made the lunch for the men: roasted potatoes and turnips, peas, sausage and sautéed onion, with crepes for dessert. I explained to Carolyn she’d used her gift. She’d made the men feel very at home. She chatted with them. She asked them questions without being intrusive. They felt welcomed and heard. That is Carolyn’s gift of hospitality shining through.

Do you like to give gifts—find a recovery centre and ask a staff member or manager what gifts you could make gifts for those who are going to be there at Christmas. Do you like to fix things? Keep your ear to the ground for a neighbour or co-worker who might be like me, unable to fix anything and appreciative of any help. Perhaps you are a prayer warrior. Prayer regularly for those whom God has placed on your heart. You see, whatever your gift, use it and in so doing you show the love of God which has rested on you in Jesus.

If you are unsure how to use whatever gift He has given you. Ask a friend whose faith you admire to direct you as to how you can use your gifts so that you show love one to another. Now, more than ever, as Canadians feel the isolation of Covid-19 and all the restrictions imposed by the government, the need for the experience of love and demonstration of it is more vital than ever. Know that God’s goodness and love will be shown to others by the way in which you bear fruit. And God our Father in His great and extravagant creative majesty will cause you yourself to feel blessed even as you serve others. You really can’t out-give God.

LORD of heaven and earth, You are the Everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

You do not faint; You do not grow weary;

Your understanding and wisdom are limitless

and it is the glory of Your people to search out Your wisdom.

You have promised, Faithful Father, that You will renew the strength

of every person who prays to You, learning to lean on You for every good thing.

Help us, LORD, help us by Your Word and Spirit to show the love of Jesus to our hurting world.

Amen.

The prayer is based on Isaiah 40:28-31

https://youtu.be/VXT0XGAImIU