Inspiring Verse of The Day: "...I have called you friends..."

- John 15: 15-17

"15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does 

not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you 

friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have 

made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose 

you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit

—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my 

name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: 

Love each other."

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Key Insight and Deep Lessons:

This passage offers profound insights into Jesus's relationship with His followers and their mission in the world.

1. Friendship with Jesus

 "I no longer call you servants... Instead, I have called you friends." 

Jesus redefines the relationship, inviting His disciples into a close, personal friendship marked by mutual trust and understanding.

LESSON: As friends of Christ, believers are privileged to know God’s heart and participate in His divine plans. This relationship is built on intimacy, not obligation.

2. Sharing in Divine Knowledge

 "For everything that I learned from my Father, I have made known to you": 

Jesus reveals that He has shared God’s truth and wisdom with His followers.

LESSON: Believers are called to live with spiritual awareness, guided by Jesus' teachings and example. This knowledge empowers them to walk in God’s will.

3. Chosen and Appointed by God

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you." 

Jesus emphasizes that discipleship is not based on human initiative but on God’s sovereign choice and calling.

LESSON: Being chosen by God is an act of grace, not merit. It’s a reminder to live with gratitude, humility, and a sense of divine purpose.

4. Bearing Lasting Fruit

"So that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last": 

Jesus commissions His followers to lead lives that produce enduring impact for God’s kingdom.

LESSON: Spiritual fruit includes qualities like love, patience, and faith, as well as actions that lead others to God. Such fruit glorifies God and leaves a lasting legacy.

5. Powerful Prayer

"And so that whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you": 

Jesus assures His disciples of the power of prayer when it aligns with His will.

LESSON: Praying in Jesus’ name means praying with faith for God’s purposes. It invites confidence that God hears and answers prayers that reflect His will.

6. The Command to Love

"This is my command: love each other." 

Jesus underscores love as the central command for His disciples.

LESSON: Genuine love is sacrificial and selfless. It is the hallmark of true discipleship and the glue that binds the Christian community together.

This verse emphasizes the close relationship Jesus offers to His followers, their divine calling, and their mission to live fruitful lives characterized by love and prayer. It encourages believers to embrace their identity as friends of Christ, to live with purpose, and to reflect God’s love in everything they do.

GRATITUDE PRAYER FOR FRIENDSHIP WITH CHRIST

Lord, thank You for calling us Your friends and for revealing Your heart to us. Help us cherish this relationship and grow in intimacy with You. Grant us the wisdom to understand Your will and the strength to obey Your commands, especially the call to love others. We are humbled and grateful that You have chosen us. Help us walk worthy of this calling and fulfil the purpose You have for our lives. Amen.

Jesus, empower us to bear fruit that glorifies You and impacts others for eternity. May our lives reflect Your grace and truth. Lead us to share Your message with others so that they, too, can experience the joy of being chosen and loved by You. 

Amen!