Scripture: John 15:16-19 “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.
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
Devotion: This week, as we look at the idea of being an ambassador for Christ, we are going to break down the role of an ambassador as we know it. Ambassadors typically represent their home country while dealing with international relations. One of the key responsibilities is to build diplomatic relationships. They engage with other foreign representatives through conversations, meetings, and events to strengthen their relationships.
As Christ’s ambassadors, this is also a key responsibility for us. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, the fruit of the Spirit will grow in us. This can be a slow process, but it is one that God promises will happen within us. And that fruit becomes an important part of navigating our roles as representatives. When we are building and pouring into our relationships with others—whether that be through work, friendships, family, or frequent stops at the coffee shop—people will see the fruit in our lives. As we interact with them, they will see the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our lives. It will stand out because it often makes us look different from the rest of the world.
Our verses for today take an interesting and abrupt pivot in the middle of them. They go from talking about loving others to giving us a warning. In our work as ambassadors, we won’t always be liked. When we live our lives for the One true King instead of ourselves, other people will sometimes dislike us for it. That doesn’t mean we neglect our relationships or interactions with others because of strain and resistance. Instead, we can be reminded of what we are truly called to: to love each other.
Let’s proceed with joy in our responsibility as ambassadors to Christ by loving one another the way that Jesus loves us.
Reflect:
- How do you embrace your responsibility of building relationships with others as an ambassador of Christ?
