John 15:1-7. I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 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.
5 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. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
The relationship we have with Christ is completely different from what any religion can offer. Religion teaches us to strive to reach God and earn His favor through our efforts. But the gospel tells a different story—God reached down to us. Through Christ, He made us alive and restored our broken relationship with Himself. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). This life is more than mere existence—it’s about a deep, abundant, eternal relationship with the living God.
In Christ, we have the assurance of eternal life: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life” (1 John 5:11-12). Eternal life is not simply about going to heaven after we die. It begins now—a life that is rooted in His presence, His love, and His power.
This new life connects us intimately to Christ, just as branches are connected to a vine. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5). The branch draws life, strength, and nourishment from the vine. In the same way, our spiritual life flows from Christ alone.
We will bear much fruit as long as we remain connected to Him. Fruit is the natural result of life flowing through the branch. We don’t need to force it or fabricate it; we simply need to abide in Him. As we walk with Him daily, holding onto His Word and trusting Him in all circumstances, the evidence of His life within us will be undeniable.
When a branch is attached to the vine, it naturally receives water, nutrients, and strength—and it produces grapes in season. If there is no fruit, something is wrong with the connection. In the same way, when we truly abide in Christ, our lives will reflect His life, His power, and His mission, saving lives in all circumstances. It would be strange—unnatural—not to bear fruit.
The psalmist paints this picture beautifully: “They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:3). This is the life God desires for His children—a life that is nourished, flourishing, fruitful, and strong, even when even when the world around us is dry, barren, and dying.
What does it mean to walk with Christ? It means to go where Jesus would go, to look where Jesus would look, to love the people Jesus would love, and to care about the things Jesus cares about. It is to let His heart, His thoughts, and His mission become our own.
As we live this way, the fruit of the Spirit will naturally appear in our lives. It is not something we manufacture—it is the evidence of His presence within us. Galatians 5:22-23 says we will experience love, joy, and peace in our relationship with God. We will extend patience, kindness, and goodness toward others. And within ourselves, we will grow in faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Jesus said that when people see the good fruit in our lives—the good that comes from the good stored up in our hearts—they will see the light of the gospel and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Our lives become a visible testimony of God’s grace and power at work.
This fruit is not temporary or superficial. It lasts. It impacts others. It brings glory to God. Jesus made it clear: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (John 15:16).
This is God’s invitation: to abide in the love of Christ. His love is unlike anything the world can offer—unconditional, infinite, constant, and irresistible. Nothing can separate us from His love. In response, we hold firmly to the Word of life, clinging to His promises, guided by His truth, strengthened through prayer.
Abide in Him. Walk with Him. Trust Him. And you will bear fruit that lasts for eternity—lives forever changed as people come to know Christ through the witness of your life.
Prayer. Father, I thank You for choosing me and calling me to go and bear fruit that will last. Help me to remain in You and abide in Your Word each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.