The stream of blessing and grace overflows from Jesus Christ into his Church at all times. Even if all believers were filled with the overflow, an ocean of grace will remain. Before his enemies Jesus had to stand up to his claim to be Messiah and God’s Son. With the disciples, however, he revealed the riches of his union with the Father in these last hours. May our hearts be opened wide so that the fullness of the deity of Christ may fill us.
Jesus told us that his disciples’ love for him was no mere emotion springing out of goodwill only, but that this love was built on obedience to his commands and its practical outworking. The natural man does not recognize the advice implicit in Christ’s love. He opens the treasuries of heaven to us, and sends us out to serve the lost and the upbuilding of our brothers; he grants us the ability to realize his plans for us. His commands are not burdensome or impossible, since the joy of the Spirit impels us, and the Spirit of truth stirs us to confess every vile or deceitful act we have committed. This Spirit strengthens us to keep his commands, because he loved us and saved us to the uttermost, we therefore love him and walk in his Spirit.
Do you love Jesus? Do not answer at once with a cheerful "Yes". Nor reply gloomily "No". If you are born again, the Holy Spirit in you will say, "Yes I love you, Lord Jesus, for your majesty and meekness, your sacrifice and patience; you have created in me the ability to love." This conversation with the Holy Spirit in us is not a vain hope or a fancy, but is based on the resolve to carry out loving actions. The Lord creates love in his beloved and grounds them in it by grace.
God loves those who love Jesus. The Father placed all power and mercy in his Son to save mankind. He who receives Jesus, receives God, and whoever rejects the Son, rejects God. Do you realize that God calls you, "My beloved", because the Spirit of Christ has changed you and made you a loving person. You are not good in yourself, but God’s love makes you a new creature. Christ works in you interceding for you with the Father, and will keep you to eternity. He will reveal himself to you with spiritual assurances. However much you grow in the knowledge of your Savior, that knowledge will stay feeble, because knowledge means growth in obedience, love, sacrifice and self-denial.