Abide In Me, And I In You

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." (1)

"Abide means to stand fast, to remain, to reside. In the Revelation, Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." (2) Having a living continuous connection with Jesus is like the relationship between the vine and the branch. The branches can only live when they are connected to the vine. Christ's statement implies that we cannot be fruitful unless we are truly connected with Him. According to the Bible, He is the source of life. (3) Although "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him," (4) He does not force a personal or intimate relationship on His created. God and Christ make themselves available to have that relationship only when it is desired on our part.

When we desire that connection, Jesus says, "I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever." (5) The Helper is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God will dwell most fully in those who love Him and keep His commandments. (6)

What a connection! This is the ultimate connection. To have a Spiritual wireless connection with our Creator. He cherishes that connection, as should we. Our Father in heaven is more willing to "give good things to those who ask Him" than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children. (7) Jesus prayed for this connection. (8)

Abiding in Him means reading about Him, learning about Him, reflecting and meditating on what we learn about Him, and allowing His Holy Spirit to influence our thoughts and behavior. He is the ultimate Teacher. He is the one who loves us, nurtures us, mentors us and fulfills us in ways that we have not even imagined.

May God bless you as you abide in Him and as you allow His Holy Spirit to abide in you.

1. John 15:4.
2. Revelation 3:20.
3. John 1:1-3, 10.
4. John 1:10.
5. John 14:16.
6. John 14:15, 21, 23.
7. Matthew 7:11.
8. John 17:22, 23.