ACC ~ John 15 v9 - 10

LOVE AS AN UNDERLYING MOTIVATION

BASIL THE GREAT: Now, if observing the commandments is the essential sign of love, it is very greatly feared that without love even the most effective action of the glorious gifts of grace—even of the most sublime powers and even of faith itself and the commandment that make a person perfect—will not be of help. … It is evident, therefore, and undeniable that without charity—even though ordinances are obeyed and righteous acts are performed, even though the commandments of the Lord have been observed and great wonders of grace effected—they will be considered as works of iniquity … because those who perform these acts have as their aim the gratification of their own will. CONCERNING BAPTISM 1.2. [1]

[1] FC 9:381-82.

ABIDE IN CHRIST AND BECOME LIKE HIM

IRENAEUS: Whoever holds, without pride and boasting, to the true glory regarding created things and the Creator (who is the Almighty God of all and who has granted existence to all) and continues in his [i.e., God’s] love and subjection and continues to give thanks shall also receive from [God] the greater glory of promotion, looking forward to the time when he shall become like him who died for him. AGAINST HERESIES 3.20.2. [1]

[1] ANF 1:450**; SC 34:342.

JESUS’ LOVE BRINGS SECURITY

CHRYSOSTOM: Again, Jesus’ discourse proceeds in a human way. For certainly the lawgiver himself would not be subject to commandments. Here again, as I keep on saying, this is spoken because of the infirmity of his hearers. He is primarily speaking to their suspicions, and by every means he tries to show them that they are safe and that their enemies are being lost. He is showing them that everything, whatever they have, they have from the Son and that, if they demonstrate a pure life, no one can prevail against them. And observe how authoritative he is with them. He did not say, “Abide in the love of my Father,” but “in my love.” Then, in case they should say, “When you have put us at war with everyone, that is when you leave us and depart,” he shows that he does not leave them but is as joined to them as the branch is to the vine. Then, in case they get so confident that they become lazy, he tells them the blessing can be removed if they are not vigilant. And, so that he does not refer the action to himself and make them even more apt to fall, he says, “Herein is my Father glorified.” For everywhere he demonstrates his own and his Father’s love toward them. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 76.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:280**; PG 59:412.