Loved and Chosen: The Heart of Truly Following Jesus
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love… You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit.” John 15:9, 16
Following Jesus Begins with Accepting His Love
To truly follow Jesus, you have to begin with something unexpected: receiving.
Before you learn, serve, grow, or obey—you must learn to receive His love.
This isn’t religious sentiment. It’s the foundation of everything else. You don’t become a Jesus follower by trying harder—you become one by accepting that you are fully known, deeply loved, and personally chosen.
You Are God’s Treasured Possession
Too often, we act like we need to earn God’s approval. But John 15 makes it clear: you didn’t choose Him—He chose you.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?… I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God.” Romans 8:35, 38–39
Jesus doesn’t love you because you perform well. He loves you because you belong to Him.
Let that truth reshape your view of what it means to follow.
Being a True Disciple Means Knowing Jesus Personally
Many people believe in Jesus. Fewer truly know Him.
A real disciple isn’t just committed to Christian values. A disciple is committed to a relationship—a life of walking with, listening to, and learning from Jesus.
A disciple doesn’t just obey commands—they follow a Person.
When Jesus says, “Remain in my love,” He isn’t asking for rule-keeping. He’s inviting you into intimacy.
The foundation of discipleship isn’t discipline. It’s relationship.
What It Really Means to Follow Jesus
To follow Jesus is to:
- Accept His love daily
- Stay connected through prayer, Scripture, and worship
- Trust Him enough to surrender your decisions, dreams, and direction
- Let His life shape how you love others
Discipleship isn’t complicated, but it is costly. Not because you have to prove yourself, but because love always leads to commitment.
Does God Know You—Really?
It’s a question worth asking: Not just do you know God—but does God know you?
A true Jesus follower isn’t someone who agrees with Christian ideas. It’s someone who’s been known, chosen, and transformed through an ongoing relationship with Christ.
To follow Jesus is to live in a relationship so personal that you never face anything alone again.
Where to Begin or Begin Again
If you want to follow Jesus—but you’re not sure how to start—begin here:
- Receive His love. Quiet your heart. Let go of guilt. Accept His grace.
- Speak to Him. No fancy words needed. Just be honest.
- Read His Word. Start with John 15 or Romans 8. Read slowly.
- Reach out. Find one believer to walk with. Discipleship is not a solo act.
Reflection & Challenge
- Have I truly received God’s love—or am I still trying to earn it?
- Am I following Jesus from a distance—or walking with Him daily?
- What one step can I take this week to live more fully as a disciple?
You weren’t chosen to perform. You were chosen to remain in love, walk in truth, and bear fruit that lasts.
Next Week: How Do I Pursue Jesus Daily?
We’ll explore what it looks like to actively seek God with your heart, habits, and priorities—and why this daily pursuit is essential to spiritual growth.
Want to Go Deeper in Your Discipleship?
👉 Explore this topic in: “The Relationship Characteristics of a Jesus Follower”
Until next time—get wisdom and pursue truth.
Blessings, Steve