The Fruit of Abiding
February 20, 2015
Jim Boyd, Director | Support Services
This week, we have been looking at a great passage of Scripture
talking about the vine and the branches. We have seen what it means to be shaped
and pruned by the gardener, God. This removal or pruning of branches that do not
bear fruit is done for the purpose of strengthening and maturing the branches.
We also see in verses 9-11 that mature Christians are told to remain in
Christ's love. Abiding in Christ's love results in abundant fruit. The result
is an increased love for God and his commands.
We are also told many times in scripture that if we keep
Christ's commands, we prove our love for Him (John 14:15, 21, 23; 1 John 5:3).
We are told in verse 11 that, in keeping his commandments, Christ's joy will be
in us and that our joy will be full. The word “full” means: "with nothing
omitted, to the full amount due, to the utmost, complete.” So, are you
remaining in Christ's love? Are you keeping the commandments of Christ? If so,
you are abiding in the love of Christ, and your joy will be unbelievably full.
If not you are not abiding in Christ day by day, take time now to pray, ask
forgiveness, and ask God to turn your heart back toward him.
TWEET THIS: To
abide in the love of Christ is to experience joy that is unbelievably full.
#UpperRoom
