Abiding In Love

Sermon May 10, 2026 John 14:15–21

Abiding in Love

Reverend Fred Okello

My mother was the first woman to lead me to Christ and teach me about the church. We woke up to her prayers every morning and went to bed to them every night. Momma taught me how to lean on God through every season of life. As her days drew near, she told me to hold fast to the Word and to go to school.

Momma’s words laid a foundation in my life that will never be destroyed. She may not have passed on wealth or money, but she did leave me with faith, values, and ancestral land on which we built a home. Her prayers, sacrifices, and direction will forever mold me into who I am. Happy Mother’s Day!

Leaving behind a last will can be one of the most heartfelt moments shared between family members. A will typically include directions, promises, personal statements, and the allocation of things that were most important to the individual who has passed away. Family members listen intently to the last words of their beloved elders before they die.

Sometimes they will say, “Take care of one another.” “Stay united.” “Do not forget what I taught you.”

Those words carry weight because they come from someone preparing to leave.

In John 14, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. The cross is near. His disciples are troubled, fearful, and uncertain about the future. Yet Jesus does not leave them without direction, comfort, or assurance. In this chapter, Jesus is giving His disciples His final words before the crucifixion.

But unlike human wills that distribute earthly possessions, Jesus gives something far greater: His love. His presence. His Spirit. His peace.

Jesus explains how His followers are to continue living after His physical departure. He teaches them what it means to love Him truly and how they can continue experiencing fellowship with Him.

This passage teaches us that abiding in Christ’s love is a daily relationship expressed through obedience, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and confidence in Christ’s presence.

Jesus teaches Love through Obedience

Jesus begins with a simple but direct statement. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

            Love is more than words. Love produces action.

In today’s world, people often define love as an emotion alone. But Jesus defines love in terms of commitment and obedience. A believer who truly loves Christ desires to follow Him.

Jesus did not say: “If you fear Me…” “If you impress others…” “If you are perfect…” He said:

“If you love me, keep my commandments.”

Obedience is not about earning salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace. Obedience is the response of a grateful heart.

We can spend time in God’s Word daily as a way of being obedient and abiding in love. You cannot obey what you do not know. Reading a few verses consistently helps shape the heart.

We can practice forgiveness. That’s what an obedient heart does. Christ commands believers to forgive others. Holding bitterness weakens spiritual growth.

Disciples of Jesus walk with integrity daily. At work. At school. In conversation. Online. God's people love others practically. They cheer up someone who is down. They visit someone lonely. They give themselves to someone in need. Simple acts of obedience demonstrate your deep love for Christ.

Because today is Mother’s Day, I will say to Fathers that a healthy marriage is not sustained merely by saying “I love you.” Love is demonstrated through faithfulness, attention, sacrifice, and care. In the same way, believers show love for Christ by following Him daily.

Jesus promises the Comforter to be able to abide

Jesus knew His disciples could not live the Christian life in their own strength. So He promised the Holy Spirit, a comforter (John 14:16–17), for them to be able to abide.

The word “Comforter” means helper, advocate, encourager, and one who comes alongside.

The Christian life is not about human effort alone. God gives believers divine help through the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit: Guides believers into truth. Gives strength during temptation. Brings comfort in suffering. Produces spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). Reminds believers of Christ’s words.

Jesus did not abandon His followers. He remained with them through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Abiding in the presence of the Holy Spirit means we begin each day with prayer. By praying, we ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength.