Matthew Henry Commentary John 15:9-17

"Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father`s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and [that] your joy may be made full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you. No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father, I have made known unto you. Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye may love one another." — John 15:9-17 (ASV)

Those whom God loves as a Father can despise the hatred of the entire world. Just as the Father loved Christ, who was most worthy, so he loved his disciples, who were unworthy.

All who love the Savior should continue in their love to him, and take every opportunity to show it. The joy of the hypocrite lasts only for a moment, but the joy of those who abide in Christ's love is a continual feast. They are to show their love to him by keeping his commandments.

If the same power that first poured out Christ's love in our hearts did not keep us in that love, we would not long abide in it. Christ's love for us should direct us to love each other. He speaks as if he is about to command many things, yet he names only this one; it includes many duties.