So how exactly do we make ourselves at home in God’s love?
What do we need to feel “at home” anywhere?
We might recall a time, when we found ourselves just naturally making ourselves at home somewhere. Maybe it was the way we could check what was inside the refrigerator when we didn’t exactly know what we were even looking for other than ‘just something’. Or the times we helped ourselves to a second serving or cup of coffee and thought nothing of it. Or it was that favorite chair or spot we gravitated to in someone’s home.
Before you read the text, simply pause and allow your body to remember a simple instance where you felt at home. Notice what comes. It might be a picture, or a memory, or a metaphor or sensation. Just observe it and linger with it. What’s happening in your body as you remember this moment of making yourself at home? Inwardly acknowledge, ‘yes this feels like home’. And from this place of knowing home, sense freshly how these words of Jesus land in you. He’s right there inviting you to keep company with him. He so enjoys your company.
John 15:9-17 (MSG)
“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.
“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.
“You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.
“But remember the root command: Love one another.
For Reflection and Prayer:
As you listened to the text, was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention? Gently repeat the word or phrase, giving it room to settle deeply in your heart.
Reflect on what you heard. Relish the words. Notice how the word or words affected you. Which emotions stirred within you? Be with what is there for you. Receive the care and compassion you need from Jesus in this moment. You might choose to journal about what you heard.
Respond to what you heard and reflected on in your prayer with God. Is there a prayer of which rises within you?
Rest in God as you simply be and entrust yourself to God in the quiet.
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