Devotional Thought - The Branch
by Faithe Thomas
I
prayed while I was walking up a mountain in Glorieta, New Mexico. As I reached
the summit, I meditated on John 21:15-17 where Jesus asked Peter if he loved
Him. How would I answer that question?
Do you love Me? “I obey you, Lord, so I must love you.”
Do you love Me? “I listen to you when you speak to me.”
Do you love Me? “I don’t know how.”
I had not loved God as I should: with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my strength, and with all my mind; and my neighbor as myself, as taught in Luke 10:27. I cried a while and asked God for His training in the area of love.
As I started down the mountain, I walked a bit too close to a pine tree and my shoulder snapped off a branch. I was amazed at how brittle it was. But not all the branches were that way. Those that still had life in them were flexible and tender. Then I noticed that the branches without life had been damaged and were not firmly connected to the tree. It reminded me of Jesus’ discourse in John 15 where He says, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up.” As I abide in Him, God’s love can infuse me and make me tender. Then I learn not only how to love God, but also how to love others.
About the Author
Faithe Finley Thomas lived as a missionary in Ghana, West Africa for six years. Her book "Staying in the Breeze" is a thoughtful reflection of some of her experiences. It can be purchased through Master Design.
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