Living In The Light

April 15, Our Loving Father

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep
My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
—John 15:9, 10 LL 114.1

Jesus Christ has plentiful help and grace for all who will appreciate it. The Lord is our helper; with Him is forgiveness. He alone can blot out the sins of the past. He can strengthen the mind. If we regard the past as no longer our enemy but as a friend, to warn us off the ground we should not approach, it will prove a true friend. LL 114.2

“As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love” (John 15:9, 10). This is the yoke which Christ invites us to wear—the yoke of obedience. “Learn of Me,” He says, “and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29, 30). “These things have I spoken unto you, that [through your perfect obedience] My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is My commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:11, 12). The conscience bears its testimony of approval to the sincerity and simplicity of true godliness. We will walk not in the sparks of human devising, in human wisdom, but in the footsteps of Christ. . . . LL 114.3

All who cherish the love of God in the heart will realize their God-given responsibilities to feed the flock of God. They will give the pure Word of God to the people. They will enter into no confederacy to suppress the Word of truth. They will not be bought or sold to please any person or any power. The truth of God transforms the natural character, and anyone who receives this truth will, by the grace of Christ bring its purity into their practical life. Beholding Christ he or she will become changed into His image. The mighty power of the kingdom of heaven within works outwardly, and they become conformed to the image of Christ. In confidence he can say, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also who love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).—Letter 66, 1898. LL 114.4

Further Reflection: How are we changed by sharing God’s love with others?.. LL 114.5