Abide

A profound yearning to make a difference often stirs within us. This desire finds itself in pursuing a career that brings hope to others or dedicating our time to serve those in need. As followers of Christ, this desire to better our world for the Gospel is a shared calling. However, a sense of unworthiness or uncertainty about how to proceed can be distressing. If we strive to make this impact ourselves, we risk burnout, much like a plant desperately trying to bear fruit by itself. In contrast, Christ invites us into a deeply rooted existence, nourished by Him as the life-giving vine. This connection allows us to abide in all Christ does for us. Even when we don’t feel close to Him and temptation pulls us away, we are reminded of His call to stay firmly connected to the vine, no matter what life brings. Drifting from this source diminishes God’s sustenance in our lives; thus, it is crucial to remain in Christ and resist the urge to act apart from Him.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 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. 5 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. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 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. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 15:1–11.

Abiding in Christ, which translates to maintaining a continuous and enduring presence with Him, is foundational to a believer’s ability to bear fruit. This deep connection involves a close fellowship, a sustained conscious communion, and the constant occupation of the heart with Christ, all nurtured by active faith and a steadfast dependence on Him. The primary purpose of this spiritual union, much like a branch connected to a vine, is to produce fruit as the organic product and tangible evidence of the inner life derived directly from Christ. Indeed, bearing fruit glorifies the Father and stands as clear evidence that one is truly a disciple of Christ. This essential state of abiding necessitates a daily, active faith that consistently upholds the believer’s reliance on the vine, continuously drawing life and sustenance from Him by turning the gaze away from self and towards the Savior in a spirit of complete dependency. Ultimately, to abide in Christ is to dwell in His love, which primarily means continually enjoying and resting assured in Christ’s immeasurable love for the believer, even amidst trials, without doubting its steadfastness.

The path toward sanctification begins by abiding in Christ’s love. This abiding demands obedience by keeping His commandments, an obedience that is not a form of legalism but a joyful and willing expression of love, demonstrating a genuine friendship with Him, much like Jesus’ love for His disciples mirrors the Father’s love for Him. To abide signifies remaining, continuing, and even dwelling in Christ, referring explicitly to maintaining a conscious and sustained fellowship or communion with God through Him. This deep connection is further understood as Christ’s words abiding in the believer, meaning the Scriptures actively regulate their life as precepts and promises are personally embraced and treasured within the heart. Such constant and habitual communion with God through His Word allows its contents to permeate one’s innermost being, shaping thoughts and desires to align with God’s will. Consequently, this state of abiding in Christ, with His words deeply rooted in the believer, is directly connected to the promise of answered prayer, implying that when one is in close fellowship and their desires are harmonized with Christ’s will, their petitions will be granted.

Jesus commands the disciples and all believers to love one another “as I have loved you,” which invites believers to enter the profound mystery of Christ’s sacrificial death. This love requires all Christ followers to be willing to lay down their lives for one another, which reveals Jesus to the world. This required Christian love and obedience, which naturally flows from abiding in Christ, yields the fruit of service, which is defined not just as a Christian devout life, but also through tangible acts of care for the needy, with designs aimed at honoring God and actively doing good. Christ exhorts His followers explicitly to a compassionate lifestyle that includes giving, caring for fellow human beings, not neglecting the hungry, refraining from anger or insult, and readily sharing resources that reflect an understanding of one’s need for God’s mercy and the serious consequences of inhumanity. Ultimately, the joy experienced by those who abide in Christ and obey His commands, a joy that can be witnessed by others and draw them to Him, is implicitly linked to this active service towards the most vulnerable, showcasing a deeply personal and profoundly practical faith.

When fruit remains on the vine, it has unrestricted access to the plant’s life-giving nourishment. Similarly, to truly abide in Christ, we must diligently cultivate our connection with God through consistent fellowship, dedicated prayer, immersion in His Word, and embracing the lessons He imparts. This profound spiritual connection allows our faith to blossom and mature. Our fruit will be evident and appealing: good works that shine in the world, bringing glory to God and testifying our rootedness in Him, the true vine. As we live this out, the world witnesses the Gospel embodied in our lives and sees the blessings God extends. The palpable joy that radiates from our abiding in Christ can powerfully draw others to Him, transforming obedient followers into beacons of His peace and joy in the world.