The Estuary of Theology 26 The Branches of the Vine (2) “ As the Father has loved me , so have I 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. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you ” (John 15:9-14). The source of the love of which Jesus speaks is the mercy of the Father. The Father's mercy is invisible. The Father's mercy only reveals itself when the Word expresses it. And it is made clear that the Father is the God of mercy. This mercy of God is directed to the concrete means for the end, and the means becomes love. Hence, love is visible. God has said: “ Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let t