Definition: As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down John 15:9: “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” Essentially, this verse means it's a very deep and significant love from Jesus to his followers. Here’s a breakdown of what it says in simpler terms: “As the Father hath loved me…” – This is a big, dramatic statement. It suggests that Jesus feels a profound affection for those who believe in him. “Hath” means "has" - it's a strong expression of love. “…so have I loved you.” – This is the key part! It’s saying that Jesus does love them back. It’s not just a feeling; he truly loves them. “Continue ye in my love.” – This is the call to action. It's telling us to keep loving him and everything he’s teaching us. It’s an invitation to live a life that reflects his love. So, it's a message of unconditional love and encouragement. Jesus wants us to continue to show him love and follow his teachings, because he loves us just as much as he loves others. Think of it like this: It’s a promise – Jesus is offering his love to us in return. Does that make sense? Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this verse or perhaps give an example of how to live out this message? For instance, are you curious about its significance in the context of the Bible as a whole?