AMBITIONS FOR 2026: Love More!

AMBITIONS FOR 2026: LOVE MORE 

“When they could not pay, he canceled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Luke 7:42 

Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” … “Feed My lambs.” John 21:15 

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.” Philippians 1:9 

There are times when we discover that we have spent our lives loving things that cannot love us back. When that happens, we may find ourselves empty, weary, and, quite honestly, out of love. 

Jesus knew this would be true of the human heart. That is why He taught His disciples about the cycle of love in John 15: 

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser… I am the vine; you are the branches… Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit… As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love… These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” 

In this teaching, Jesus reveals how love truly works. Our lives are the branches. He is the vine. His love is not something we manufacture; it is something He continually pours into us. As we abide in Him, that love flows through us and outward to others, producing abundant and lasting fruit. 

Without the love of Jesus, there is no fruit. Without remaining attached to the vine, there is no life. It is through the love of Jesus that we are able to love others, and this love, expressed through our lives, is what glorifies God. 

Jesus invites me to love more. But I can only love others more if I first love Him more. That happens as I draw closer to the vine and remain in His love. When I do, His love flows effortlessly through me to others. I am not giving away my own strength or affection. I am giving away His love. This is how fruit is produced. This is how lives are nourished. This is how God is glorified. 

When I am not abiding closely in Jesus, I begin to dry up. The fruit I try to produce becomes strained, shallow, and unsatisfying. But Jesus gives me a way back: 

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 

So my prayer becomes simple and sincere: “Jesus, I want to be closer to You. Help me to abide in Your love.” That is a prayer He delights to answer. And when He does, I am once again fruitful, fulfilled, and fully alive in the Kingdom of God. 

Reflection:  

Where have I been seeking love from things or people that cannot truly give it back? What would it look like today to draw closer to Jesus, abide in His love, and allow His love to flow through me to someone else? 

Lord, thank You for loving me first and loving me completely. Teach me to remain close to You, the true Vine, so that Your love may continually fill my heart. Help me to love You more, so that I may love others more with a love that is patient, generous, and life-giving. May my life bear fruit that brings glory to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.