You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:14-17 (NIV)
We are set apart, yet still in the world, so that we can continue to bear fruit that lasts—not out of duty, but out of love and reverence for God.
Yesterday, we were reminded that we are called to love each other, even when it is difficult, just as Christ has loved us. Today, Jesus takes us deeper into our relationship with Him.
In verse 15, He says we are no longer servants, because servants do not know their master’s business. Instead, He calls us friends, for everything He has learned from the Father He has made known to us. This means that we no longer serve God merely out of duty, but out of intimacy and love. We are invited to participate in His grand plan—to restore creation and bring it to its intended perfection (Romans 8:19–21).
Verse 16 reminds us: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” As His friends, we are chosen and set apart to bear lasting fruit, and we now have access to the Father in prayer, asking according to His will. Though we live in the world, we are called to be set apart for Him, reflecting His heart and sharing His love with those around us.
Reflect: How does knowing that you are chosen and appointed by Jesus affect the way you see your purpose and worth?
Examine: Are there areas in your life where you are serving out of duty like a servant, instead of walking in intimacy as a friend of Jesus?
Act: Identify one tangible way you can bear fruit this week—whether through Christlike love, intentional service, or sharing the gospel.
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me Your friend and sharing Your heart with me. Help me to live in intimacy with You, not out of duty but out of love. Empower me to bear fruit that lasts, to reflect Your love to those around me, and to participate in Your grand plan of restoration. Holy Spirit, guide me each day to obey, serve, and love in alignment with Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.