Abiding In Love

 John 15:1-8, I John 4:13-21

In John 15, Jesus says another “I am” metaphor statements. Here he says that he is the vine while God is the vine grower. We then are the branches growing out of Christ. By abiding in the vine – Christ, we can bear much fruit but apart from Christ we can do nothing. By abiding in him we glorify the Father and bear much fruit becoming Jesus’ disciples.

One of these fruits is told of in I John 4. It is to love our brothers and sisters. We have another “I am” but this refers to God. It says God is Love. Abiding in love then is abiding in God. More powerful is that the God of love will abide in us. This is the only way to have love perfected in us. This love gives us boldness and casts out – drives out all fear. It says whoever fears has not reached this perfection in love. In this love we follow God’s commandment of loving our brothers and sister, bearing fruit on our branch.

Unfortunately, so much religion has based itself on fear. Fear of Hell, fire, and brimstone. I John says that God abides in those that confess that Jesus is God’s son. Knowing what Christ has done for us to cleanse us from all sin that alienated us from God – we have no fear of hell or punishment. We have no fear due to the wonderful perfect love which God has given us through Jesus.

Jesus said in John 15 that if you abide in him and his words of love abide in you, you can ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Some misinterpret this verse using it for what is called the Prosperity Gospel – Name It and Claim It. Sometimes our wishes are not good for us or others, not prayed for in perfect love – but God who knows our intent will provide what we need.

We need to ask ourselves throughout our days if we are abiding in love, clinging to the vine of Jesus and producing good fruits. Amen

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