Mantra - Five metaphors for how to live a Gospel lifeSample

Day 2 - Be the Branch

I have to plug my phone into the charger every night. If it’s not connected to its power source, it won’t be able to do all the things I need it for—all the things it was made to do!

The same goes for our relationship with God; Jesus told us in John 15 that He is the vine and we as Christians are the branches. Apart from the vine, a branch can do nothing. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. We can’t produce fruit on our own or make things happen out of our own power—it has to come from His power.

What does this look like in our everyday lives? It looks like keeping the commandments He’s given us, reading His Word, praying, and calling on Him throughout the day. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the “Fruit of the Spirit,” giving us specific examples of what God grows in us as we stay connected to Him.

Imagine what could come from our lives if we remained dependent on Christ! We would live the full life He wants to give us, and we would love others better, because God is love. It is such a relief that we can rely on God to do all these things through us, because in our weakness, God’s strength shines. As we are each strengthened by remaining in the vine, we grow in our love for the branches around us, leading to even more fruit and power for the sake of others.

 

Keep Talking Questions 

What areas do you see God wanting to grow your dependence on Him?

What is something that God may be calling you to that will require the fruit of the Spirit working in and through you?      

Prayer

God, show me specific areas and ways I can grow in connection to the vine. Lord, I ask that You give me Your heart for people, as You produce fruit in my life.