DAY 19: SO THAT YOU WILL LOVE
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 24th, 2025
“These things I command you so that you will love one another.” – John 15:17
DEVOTION
As a parent, I’ve been learning about the power of family slogans—short, memorable statements that we repeat to remind ourselves of who we are and what we believe. Lately, I’ve been encouraging my boys before they get on the school bus with the slogan: “Ratners are leaders and focused.” Even if we aren’t always leading and focused, I want them to affirm their potential. I hope that, sooner rather than later, these slogans will become their reality.
As we read through the New Testament (and the Bible as a whole), you’ll notice that Jesus has a slogan for His family members: “Love one another.” Here are five Scriptures from different books in the Bible that emphasize this message:
- John 15:17– “These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
- Romans 12:10– “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9 – “Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another,”
- 1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
- 1 John 3:11 – “For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.”
There are many other passages with similar messages. God calls us to embrace this vital principle: “Love one another.” This message has been His directive from the beginning (1 John 3:11). As the Apostle Peter highlights, this should be our top priority (1 Peter 4:8). As branches connected to the true vine (Christ), the most evident fruit we produce is His love for one another.
Today, take a moment to examine your heart. If your love for others has grown cold, it’s likely because your abiding in Christ has also diminished.
After reading this devotional, pause to reflect on the love of Christ towards you. He created you in His image (Genesis 1:26), chose you before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), died for you on the cross (Romans 5:8), defeated death through His Spirit (Romans 8:11), and has prepared a place for you in eternity (John 14:1-3). He has showered His glorious grace upon you (Ephesians 1:7-8) and has transferred you from darkness to light, forgiving you of your sins (Colossians 1:13-14). He is committed to you here on Earth and in Heaven (Matthew 28:20). At this very moment, He fills your lungs with air. He has done all of this not out of obligation, but because He loves you.
Make it your priority today to love one another.
“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:14–15
PRAYER
Father, thank You for loving me the way You do—consistently, endlessly, and unchangingly. Your love is filled with grace and truth. As I deepen my understanding of Your love for me, I pray that Your love will flow through me to those in my life. Lord, produce the fruit of love in my heart and in every part of my being. In Jesus’ name, amen!
NEXT STEP
Think of three people in your life today and tell them that you love them. This could be family members, friends, those from your church, or even someone who feels distant from God and could benefit from a reminder of His love. Additionally, consider creating a family slogan that reminds you of the Lord’s love for you and encourages you to love one another.
