The Vine and the Branches
Tuesday, February 11
The Vine and the Branches
If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:6
A vine and its branches are inextricably linked. The branch draws its life-giving nutrients from the vine, and in return, the vine bears fruit through the branch. Jesus declares that He is the vine and we are the branches—our lives are dependent on Him for strength, guidance, and purpose. Without Him, we can do nothing. This is a humbling and freeing truth. When we remain in Jesus, we are not expected to bear fruit in our own strength but in the strength He provides.
When we remain in Him, He cultivates these qualities in us. Our relationships with others become more reflective of His love. Our actions become more consistent with His character. Our decisions become more aligned with His will. It’s a gradual but continual process that produces fruit in the form of godly character, good works, and a life that glorifies God.
In this season of your life, consider the specific fruit that God is calling you to bear. Perhaps He is inviting you to cultivate patience in a difficult relationship. Maybe He is asking you to demonstrate kindness in a situation where it’s hard to be gracious. Perhaps the fruit of forgiveness is right at its peak ready to burst through. It could be that He is prompting you to share your testimony with someone who needs to hear the hope of the gospel.
What does it look like for you to bear fruit today? Remember, this fruit is not something you can produce on your own. It is the outgrowth of your connection with Jesus. The more time you spend with Him—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—the more His presence will shape you. And the more you are shaped by Him, the more fruit you will bear.
Prayer for today: Lord, keep me connected to You, and guard me from the dangers of spiritual complacency. Help me to stay rooted in You always. Amen.