Opposition from the world: The Lord and His servants. John 15:9-14 God is glorified in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and is also glorified through the spiritual fruit that comes from those who are children of God—His disciples. God never designed the Christian life to be dull or monotonous. When we keep and obey God's word and stay connected with Him through prayer, our joy becomes genuine. In fact, the joy shared between the Father and the Son because of their mutual love can also be ours when we love God and His people.
Obeying the Lord by doing what He says is not bondage but liberty. Loving others is not tedious; there is real joy when sacrificial love is extended, blessing others. When we choose to demonstrate unconditional love, our relationships with people shift from casual interactions to close friendships. Our Lord chose us to bear lasting fruit and enable us to accomplish what He has called us to do for Him.
Those who abide in Christ and allow His words to dwell in them have the promise of answered prayers. When this is true, we will only ask for what is good for us and what is right. These promises are ready to be turned into prayers. If this command to abide is obeyed, like children with a parent, we can “demand as due,” one of the strongest words regarding prayer in the Bible, and “it shall be done,” granted, caused to happen, and creative power will operate. Remaining in Him and His words in us removes all desire or inclination to do anything against His will. “Glorified.”
We have been chosen and appointed for fruit-bearing so that the likeness of Christ can be reflected through us. This relates to who we are, the meaning of our lives, and what our lives should become. Being saved, benefiting the community, and setting examples for others are not what is meant by fruit-bearing in this passage. It is not the fruit of our service that is being referred to here. He can command angels or servants to do His bidding. Instead, it is the fruit of the new man — a love-ruled life, loyalty to the Lord, and God expressing Himself and His joy through us.
True joy rises above circumstances by maintaining a strong, consistent relationship and fellowship with the Lord. The joy of that communion each day is a sacred connection that keeps us balanced in mind, and our thoughts will elevate above the usual reaction to difficulties, allowing us to see the hand of God at work in and through us. The order of fruitfulness begins with love; obeying the commandments of the One who loved us. This is abiding in Him; this is the fullness of joy—our joy in sharing His joy because He has chosen us as friends.
Ways we can show practical love for others include listening to them, helping them, encouraging them, and providing aid for whatever they need and what we are able to give. Jesus is our Lord, and as our Master, we serve Him as grateful servants who owe our very lives to Him. Of even greater significance is that He calls those who live for Him and obey Him His friends, in whom He is willing to confide. He is the ultimate example of love and friendship because He chose to love us, die for us, and then take us to live with Him forever.
You are My Friends: The Friend and His Friends. John15:15-27 A miracle has happened; the Lord Jesus calls us friends! As a friend, He sacrificed His life for my sins. My role in this friendship is to follow His commands. He reveals His plans for me, and my life's purpose unfolds as I walk with Him. A friend is someone trusted and confided in. We are friends by His choosing. Because of our loving obedience, He shares with His friends things related to redemption.