Together in Christ: 'Centering Relationships on Our Love for God!' — John 14:15-17

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

[Jesus continued teaching his disciples:] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."
— John 14:15-17 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus was clear that the two centering principles His disciples would use to orient their lives are loving God and loving our neighbors. [1] While these are two commands, they were inseparable in the teaching of Jesus and His apostles. They are different sides to the same coin. We cannot love God, Whom we have not seen, without loving people we have seen. [2] We cannot love people fully unless we love God and understand His deep commitment to love people. [3]

Throughout our year of devotionals on relationships, we have spent a great deal of time focusing on the relationship God wants to have with us, His love for us, His presence in us, and His love shared through us. Our relationship with God is pivotal for each of us to have healthy and redemptive relationships with others. So please, dear friend in Christ, hear how much God loves you. The Creator sent His Son to show you His love. The Lord Almighty created a plan to save you. Your Father promised to come and make his home within you. Draw near to Him. Love Him. Invite Him to love others through you. Our relationships must be centered in our love for God!

[1] Matthew 22:36-40.
[2] 1 John 4:20.
[3] John 3:16-17; Romans 5:6-11.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, You have revealed Yourself to me as my Abba Father, loving Son, and indwelling Spirit. Thank You for all the ways You have chosen to display Your love for me, lavish Your grace on me, and infuse me with Your power. Draw me closer to You as I seek to show my love to You through the words of my mouth, the affections of my heart, and the actions of my daily life. I want You to know my love for You just as much as You receive my praise offered to You in worship when gathered with other disciples. Thank You for first loving me. Please use my life to share Your love with others. I ask this to bring You glory! Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

20 Related Resources by Heartlight

Another Counselor, A Lasting Comforter
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued,] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you....."
Love, Obedience, and Permanence
Devo: Together in Christ
"[Jesus said,] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He....."
Never Leave You
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Jesus said,] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy...."
Obedience Shows Our Love for Jesus
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy..."
See All 20 Related Resources about John 14:15-17

Illustration

Illustration of John 14:15-17 NLT — [Jesus continued teaching his disciples:] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Waiting for His Day in Court' (Acts 23:35)
"[Paul had arrived in Caesarea to appear before the Governor, Felix, who told him:] "I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive," the..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Pamela Reeve:
"Faith is realizing that I am useful to God not in spite of my scars but because of them."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 103:15-18
"As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Shorten That Time!' (Mt. 24:15-22)
"[Talking to his disciples about coming conflicts and disasters, Jesus continued:] "The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke....."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Together in Christ