Forever Fruitful In ChristSample

Real Grace Remains

For when I know the love God has for me, then my mental confusion disperses like fog on a summer’s morning. — Malcolm Smith

Life can be plenty confusing and overwhelming. Sometimes, a lot of religious talk only seems to make things more confusing. H. L. Mencken once said, “A philosopher is a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat that isn’t there. A theologian is the man who finds it.” That’s clear as mud!

Thankfully, when Jesus used the analogy of the vine and the branches, He gave us a simple word picture we can conceptualize. What’s it all about? He invites us to remain in Him—just as a branch remains in the vine—and He works through us to produce true fruit.

“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 15:5)

So, what does it mean to “remain in Christ”?

· It means to rejoice in the reality of God and in His unconditional acceptance

· It means to celebrate grace, experiencing it fully—day by day, moment by moment

· It means to engage in what delights the Vine—letting His passion become our passion 

· It doesn’t just mean to believe in Jesus; it means to live in union with Him

In the end, it means we have the opportunity to trust in Him even when everything else seems to be falling apart around us. Tough times at work? Family difficulties? Financial struggles? When we abide in Christ, knowing that God’s grace is real and that His love is real, our problems don’t magically disappear. But the confusion in our hearts can. 

Dear Jesus, I want to remain in You in a way that puts everything else in perspective. I take the challenges that I am facing this week, and I ask You to help me see them through who I am in You. Hold me in Your grace and allow me to enjoy the blessing of life united to You! Amen.