15 “If you love me and obey the command I give you, 16 I will ask the One who sent me, to give you another Paraclete, another Helper to with you always –17 The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept since the world neither sees her nor recognizes her; but you can recognize the Spirit because she remains with you and will be within you. 18 “I won’t leave you orphaned; I will come back to you. [The John 14:15-17 Inclusive Bible]
The command Jesus gives is his followers is this: love God and love neighbor. Those who follow Jesus are to be known by their love. Yet, we all know that is it not always easy to love others or even ourselves. This is why Jesus asks the One who has sent him to send another. Jesus tells his followers that they will be given another Paraclete, another Helper, the Spirit of truth that will remain with them and be within them. The Spirit is the one who enables us to love others as well as ourselves. The Spirit connects us to source of divine love, which can then pour through us to touch others. The Spirit challenges us to be loving, by seeing the divine presence of the Spirit in others. As you move through this week, keep in mind that the Spirit is present with you, equipping you to bear witness to the God of love whom we worship and serve.
Prayer
Loving God, help me to stay present to the Spirit that remains with me and within me. Help me to see your presence in others so that love flows more freely. When I struggle to love others, remind me that you will never leave me orphaned. You are always with me. Amen.
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