John 15:13-17 English Standard Version (ESV)
13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 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. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
DEVOTIONAL
SOAP: John 15:15
Christ calls us His friends, and He defines friendship for us by laying His life down to save us. True friendship involves sacrifice as we choose to love each other in Jesus’ name. True friendship involves transparent, authentic communication.
You may never be called to die in the place of your friend, but today you can make sacrificial choices to love and encourage. Friends make time for one another, and selflessly step in to help during difficult times. Friends listen without judgment, maintain confidentiality, and speak the truth in love. Friends honor each other’s successes and challenge one another to keep pursuing Christ. Have you prayed and asked God to show you how to be a better friend lately? Ask Him to speak into this area of your life in a fresh way this week.
Lord Jesus, thank You for laying Your life down for Your friends. Show us how to love each other sacrificially. Help us to share our lives with each other openly and encourage one another to keep the faith. Amen.