John 15:9-17 In discussing "Being who we are, where we are," we need to first discover "who are we?" and "Where are we?" If you are reading this in church, there are several possibilities, ideally you are a believer who is here to worship and spend time with God's people. You may be here because of obligation and would rather be somewhere else. Maybe you're here because it's a habit. Etc. Answering either one or both of the questions requires one to look around at the context and to look within at the content. In order to not write a book, we will discuss only from a Christian perspective. The first verses of our Scripture speak of relationship and response. There is a relationship of love between the Father (God) and the Son (Jesus) and a response of obedience to His commands. Jesus is saying that that same relationship of love exists between Him and us. Our response to that love needs to be obedience to His commands. To "remain in His love" means that obedience is required in order that the relationship might go in both directions. His command to us is that we love one another in the same way that He loved us. This love is not a mind game, but works itself out in the daily experiences of life. Jesus' love was worked out on the cross. Our behavior and what we say will change to some extent as we meet with different kinds of people; but the quality and content of our words and behavior must always be consistent with our relationship with Christ - it is the working out of our love as it reflects His. As we live in this way, Jesus becomes not only our Lord, but also our friend. Think about how this might relate to the idea of friendship among ourselves as God's people.

Being Who You Are, Where You Are