HELLO, WELCOME TO THE LATEST EDITION OF OUR REACH MAGAZINE.

John 15:9 says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love”. ESV.

What a great truth and declaration that Jesus is sharing here. In the context of John 14, Jesus is speaking with His disciples and seeking to remind them that, in a short while, He would be leaving them. Then the Holy Spirit would become their helper and represent Him after He left. Jesus then says on numerous occasions, and in John 15, the importance of remaining or abiding in Him as the vine and staying connected. By encouraging the disciples, He makes this powerful truth “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love”.

In essence, Jesus is saying that the same way the Father loves me is precisely the same way I love you. As God, the Father loves the Son to the same degree that Jesus loves you and me.

Please stop momentarily and let these truths permeate and settle within your heart and mind. These words can shift and establish new ways of thinking and bring a fresh revelation of the love of God. In this verse, Jesus encourages us to abide, remain, or continue in His love. The Amplified Bible says, “Remain in My love and do not doubt my love for you.” Today, let the realisation that you and I are loved and let this love nourish and sustain.

So, what is the key to abiding in love?

Verse 10 says, “If you keep or obey my commandments, you will abide in my love.” Jesus also said in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give you that you love one another just as I have loved you; you are to love one another.”

Jesus is our example; He came and demonstrated a new way of loving one another.

As you read through this edition, we pray that you will understand the heart of God more significantly, and it will encourage you to share your faith.

Allen Carter Director of Prayer and Partner Relations