Acts 14:5-18
Psalm 113B(115):1-4,15-16
John 14:21-26
How can we come to recognize and have confidence in the love of God?
In Jesus’ farewell discourse at the last supper, He speaks of His love for His disciples and of His Father’s love for them. He prepares His disciples for His imminent departure to return to the Father by encouraging them to demonstrate their love for Him through their loyalty and obedience to His word. He also promises them the ongoing guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Judas (not Iscariot) asked Jesus, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” This seems to suggest a question about whether the love Jesus has for His disciples can be revealed to the wider world, and whether this profound love can be extended universally. Jesus replied that anyone who loves Him will keep His word.
Paul and Barnabas, in response to those who believed they should be worshipped as gods after performing a miracle on a man who had never walked, emphasized that their actions were not by their own power but stemmed from God’s love for mankind. They expressed the desire for everyone to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
The disciples of Christ endured suffering and persecution, yet they maintained their confidence in God and now rejoice in heaven. Likewise, we are encouraged to trust in God and remain steadfast amidst our adversities. In our Father’s house, there are many mansions, and if we follow the path He has laid out, Christ will return at the end of our earthly lives to bring us to Himself.
Let us remember that it is through God’s grace, combined with our diligent efforts, that we find success, and ultimately, only God can reward us with eternal life.
Fr Joseph Osho
