In John 15:4 I read, “Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me." (GW)
On the night before his death, Jesus instructed his followers: “Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me” (John 15:4 GW).
Jesus says that being spiritually connected is like being attached to a vine. I’m not going to have any fruitfulness or productivity in life if I’m out there on my own. I’ve got to stay connected to the body of Christ.
In plants, a disconnected branch can’t bear fruit. It’s the same for me. When I’m not spiritually connected, I not only start to wither and die, but I also don’t have any productivity in my life.
What kind of fruit should I produce when I’m connected to the body of Christ? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).
In my life, I’d like to be more loving and more joyful. I’d like to be more at peace, no matter what happens to the economy. I’d like to be more kind to people who are mean to me. I’d like to be a good person. I want to be faithful and keep my promises. I’d like to be gentle with those who are not very gentle. And I’d like to have more self-control.
This is called the fruit of the Spirit, and it’s the evidence that I am spiritually connected. If I’m not seeing myself grow in all these things, then it means I’m not spiritually connected.
God says spiritual connection is essential. In fact, I’m not going to have any fruitfulness or productivity in life if I’m out there on my own. I’ve got to be connected to the body of Christ.
In summary, I am to live in Christ and he in me. For a branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. I cannot produce fruit unless I live in Christ. Being spiritually connected is like being attached to a vine. I’m not going to have any fruitfulness or productivity in life if I’m out there on my own. I’ve got to stay connected to the body of Christ. When I’m not spiritually connected, I not only start to wither and die, but I also don’t have any productivity. The fruit I should produce when I’m connected is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control,” In my life, I’d like to be more loving and more joyful. I’d like to be more at peace, no matter what happens to the economy. I’d like to be more kind to people who are mean to me. I’d like to be a good person. I want to be faithful and keep my promises. I’d like to be gentle with those who are not very gentle. And I’d like to have more self-control. This is called the fruit of the Spirit, and it’s the evidence that I am spiritually connected. God says spiritual connection is essential. I’ve got to be connected to the body of Christ.
Fruitful branches are cut back to promote growth. Likewise God must sometimes discipline me to strengthen my character and faith. In general branches that don't bear fruit are cut off at the trunk not only because they are worthless but also because they often affect the rest of the tree. Those who don't bear fruit for God or who try to block the efforts of God's followers will be cut off from his life-giving power. In this context, fruit is not limited to winning souls. Answered prayer, joy and love are also fruit. To remain in Christ means that I believe he is God's son, I receive him as Savior and Lord, I do what God says, I continue to believe the God News, and I can relate in love to the community of believers, Christ's body.
Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me.
Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.
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