“Abide in me, and I in you. 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. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

In the Greek language the word abide carries the connotation of remaining as one. As Jesus spoke with his disciples he commanded them to remain as one with him. This oneness implies a close and personal relationship. This relationship must be nourished and cherished. It requires daily time and attention. We are to abide. We are not to be separated; we are not to depart.

As we cultivate this abiding relationship with Christ we will begin to notice that our lives start looking more like his. Our desires become more like his desires. Our words become more like his words. Our actions reflect obedience to his commands. We are able to trust him and find delight in him. He is a source of joy. Our heartbeat will sound like that of the apostle Paul, “Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8, New Living Translation).

Not only did Jesus command us to abide in him, but he also commissioned us to bear fruit for his Kingdom. “You did not chose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit” (John 15:16). We are commanded to abide in him because we are commissioned to bear fruit and the only way we can bear fruit is by remaining one with him. We can do nothing apart from him. The fruit cannot grow without the vine. We will accomplish nothing of eternal significance if we do not have the power and presence of Christ in our lives.

An abiding relationship with Christ produces fruit. Fruit is the proof of our faith. As Jesus said, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8). Paul prayed that the Colossians would continue in this abiding relationship because it produces a life that is pleasing to the Lord and bears fruit in every good work (see Colossians 1:9-10).

• Pray that you would abide in Christ.
• Pray that you would cultivate such a deep relationship with him that you count all things worthless when compared to knowing him. Abound in spiritual wisdom and understanding so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the King.
• Pray that as you remain in fellowship with him that your life would bear much fruit for the Kingdom.