The Gospel of JohnSample

Closeness and obedience.

In John 15, Jesus gives us a powerful picture of our relationship with Him: He is the vine, and we are the branches. Our one job is to abide—to remain, to stay connected, to draw life from Him. Jesus says, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Abiding isn’t passive; it takes intentionality. It means choosing to stay close to Jesus in heart, mind, and soul. Thankfully, we’re not left to figure it out on our own—the Holy Spirit helps us remain in Christ. He keeps us from getting off course, from drifting toward distractions or attaching ourselves to things that can’t give life.

I’ve experienced seasons where I’ve linked my life too closely to people, goals, or habits I was never meant to abide in. They didn’t nourish me. They didn’t grow me. They couldn’t sustain me. And eventually, I felt the dryness in my soul.

But Jesus is different. When I return to Him—through His Word, in prayer, in quiet moments of surrender—I find strength, clarity, and renewal. He reminds me that I’m loved not as a servant, but as a friend. And from that place of abiding, fruit begins to grow: love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest of the Spirit’s work.

Jesus doesn’t just want obedience; He wants closeness. He commands us to love one another—not out of duty, but because that love naturally flows out of a life rooted in Him. When we remain in His love, we’re empowered to share it with others.

Respond to God’s Word:

Today, choose one way to intentionally love someone—listen without interrupting, give to someone in need, or forgive someone who hurt you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remain in Jesus as your true source. And if you’ve been abiding in something or someone else, surrender it to the Lord and return to the Vine who gives life.