love abides

I've entertained the idea of getting a tattoo that reads "love abides" for about 5 years.  I have yet to get it and know that I probably will not follow through with it, and will remain writing these words on my left wrist as a reminder of God's love and His Spirit that abides in me.


When I feel lost, alone, unloved; these two small words remind me of God's Spirit which has been placed inside me and that His love abides in me, as I aim to abide in the love of Christ--accepting and trusting His promises and living in obedience to His commands.  I pray for this joy you speak of Lord.  This joy that rests in hope of eternal life even while living in this temporal world.  Feelings may come and go, but Your love is eternal, and abiding.


“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.   


“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15: 5-13