Do you ever long for “home?” Where or what is home to you? When I was attending an out-of-state college, my longing for home was fierce. I missed the quiet of my teenage bedroom, the comfort of my mother’s cooking, and the bellowing sound of my dad’s laughter. When they passed away, a significant part of home passed with them. After my mom’s funeral, I was pierced with loneliness for her and my dad. It is very likely that I will never go home to New Jersey again, since I no longer have family there. Home can mean many things.

Jesus beat out all the Methodist preachers in being the first “itinerate” preacher. He never had a home. Did you ever think about that? In his desire to heal, teach, proclaim the kingdom of God, rebel against injustice and Roman authority, and provide a way to the Father, he never had a place to call home. And so he made himself a home for us, so that no matter where we are or what we miss, we can always come home to him.

John 15 (The Message)

^9-10 “I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.

It sounds so simple. Make yourselves at. home in my love. How? By keeping my commands. Jesus set the example himself by keeping his Father’s commands. He is at home with the father so that we can be at home with him. Love is our home.

^11-15 “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.

Wholly mature joy comes when we love one another as Jesus loves us. Sacrificially. Unreservedly. Completely without prejudice, barriers, or grudges.

Equally, as friends.

Can you love like that? What holds you back?

¹⁶ “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.

¹⁷ “But remember the root command: Love one another.

Imagine how much better the world would be if we could follow this one simple root command, to love one another.

I Call You Friends