There’s a simple yet profound truth that has been on my heart lately, and it comes from a passage in the Gospel of John. In John 15:4-5, Jesus says:
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5, NIV)
These words have been speaking to me deeply. I think about what it means to truly abide in Christ—not just in moments of crisis, but in the ordinary, day-to-day moments of life. To remain in Him is to cultivate a connection that goes beyond surface-level faith. It’s about staying grounded in Him no matter what life throws our way.
What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?
For a long time, I viewed my relationship with Christ as something I would turn to when I needed direction or strength—when life felt overwhelming or I had a big decision to make. But lately, I’ve been realizing that abiding in Christ is more than just turning to Him in times of need. It’s about living in Christ every single day. The word remain (or abide) in this passage means more than just visiting or checking in with God. It’s about staying connected to Him, like a branch that draws its life from the vine.
When I think of this, I imagine a vine deeply rooted in the soil, providing life to its branches. As long as the branch stays attached to the vine, it will thrive and bear fruit. The same is true for us: when we remain in Christ, we’re continually nourished by His presence, His Word, and His guidance. It’s not about striving; it’s about being in close fellowship with Him, receiving His life so that we can reflect His character.
The Necessity of Christ for Fruitfulness
Jesus says, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” As much as I’d like to think I can handle things on my own, I’ve realized that I can’t. Not when it comes to bearing fruit in my life that lasts. I’ve tried to “do” things in my own strength—trying to be a good person, trying to serve others, trying to make a difference—but apart from Christ, none of it has the lasting impact that I long for.
When I truly remain in Him, it’s like His life flows through me, and what happens naturally is that fruit begins to appear—fruit that reflects His love, peace, and joy. I’ve seen this firsthand in my own life when I’ve taken time to truly connect with Him. It’s not forced, but a byproduct of staying close to the Source.
Living a Fruitful Life: A Byproduct of Abiding
This fruit doesn’t look like the things I thought it would. For a long time, I thought “fruit” meant doing more for God—more work, more service, more ministry. But as I’ve meditated on this passage, I’m coming to understand that the fruit Jesus speaks of is about the evidence of His transformation in my heart and life. It’s about the way His character becomes more visible in me. It’s about the love I show others, the peace I carry within, the kindness I extend to those around me—even when life is challenging.
For me, bearing fruit is also about living with purpose—sharing the gospel, serving my community, and reflecting God’s glory in everything I do. And I’ve come to realize that this happens when I remain in Him—not out of duty, but because I’m so closely connected to Him that the fruit flows naturally.
Why It’s Vital to Stay Connected
There’s a temptation to get distracted. Life can get busy, and it’s easy to pull away from the quiet moments of abiding in Christ. But I’ve seen in my own life that when I disconnect, I start to feel drained, overwhelmed, and spiritually dry. I forget my purpose and lose sight of what matters most. Staying connected to Christ isn’t a one-time effort; it’s something I must choose to do daily, throughout my day.
I’ve found that when I intentionally make time to pray, read Scripture, and seek His presence, my heart is more aligned with His. I find peace and clarity, and my perspective shifts. I start to see my day differently, recognizing opportunities to live out my faith in small, meaningful ways. Staying connected to Christ is what keeps me grounded, focused, and fruitful.
The Reward of Abiding in Christ
The most beautiful part of abiding in Christ is that it leads to true fulfillment. I think about how much of my life was spent striving to achieve things in my own strength—whether that was in my career, relationships, or even in my faith. But when I began to truly abide in Christ, I found that everything changed. I stopped trying so hard to “make things happen,” and instead, I rested in His presence. And it was in that place of abiding that I began to bear fruit that lasts—not because I tried harder, but because I remained in Him.
The fruit I bear isn’t just for me; it blesses others. It blesses my family, my friends, my community. And ultimately, it brings glory to God.
Conclusion
As I reflect on this truth of abiding in Christ, I’m reminded of how important it is to stay connected to Him—not just in the moments of crisis, but in the everyday rhythms of life. When I remain in Him, He fills me with His strength, His love, and His purpose. And through that connection, I begin to bear fruit—fruit that reflects His character, fruit that impacts the world around me, and fruit that ultimately brings glory to God.
So, I ask myself—and I invite you to ask yourself too: Am I truly abiding in Christ today? How can I remain in Him more intentionally, so that His life flows through me, and I can bear much fruit for His glory?
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