Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Holy Trinity, Wholly Love.”

Reading 

”I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

As the Father has loved me, so I 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. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. (John 15:1-17)

Reflection

John 15:1-17 describes Jesus as the vine and all of us as branches connected to the vine. We are connected to Jesus and cannot live without him.

Explore more about who Jesus is. Try the ideas that fit your family the best.

Candle Talk: Light a candle and share stories about times you have experienced Jesus’s love. Maybe it was during a difficult time. Maybe it was when someone showed up with a meal or a hug. Maybe it was when you were in a new place, and someone welcomed you.

Activity: The greatest commandment is to love God and our neighbors. Come up with ways your family can do that together.

Connect: Have an old-fashioned potluck and invite your neighbors to bring their favorite food to share. Celebrate getting to know new people and loving each other.

Around the World: People around the world are in desperate need of love and care. Connect with a global mission or disaster relief organization to figure out how your family can help.

–Arlene Flancher, from LOM Curriculum “Holy Trinity Wholly Love”