Abiding in the Vine

 By Andrea Merrell

 

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.         John 15:5 NKJV

 

“I know I’m the branch and He’s the Vine, but I don’t understand the abiding part,” the girl said. “How’s that supposed to work?”

 

To abide means to remain or to continue in a certain place. To stay connected. One of the best illustrations I’ve ever heard is about a simple tea bag. On its own, the tea bag is of no use, but when you place it in hot water, something happens. The longer the bag stays (abides) in the water, the stronger and more flavorful the cup of tea becomes. The water surrounds and permeates the tea bag, bringing out the best possible result.

 

We are like that tea bag. Useless on our own. The Word says without Him, we can do nothing. To abide in Him is a matter of remaining in His presence and in His Word. To stay connected (to the Vine). The more we do this, the more His presence surrounds and permeates our spirit, soul, and body, bringing out the very best in us.

 

He is the Vine. We are the branches. When we learn to truly abide in Him, we will produce fruit—the Fruit of the Spirit.

 

Are you abiding in Him and producing fruit?

 

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and nalinratphi.)

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Are you abiding in the Vine and producing the Fruit of the Spirit? via @AndreaMerrell(Click to tweet.)

 

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