Abiding in Christ

Ps Thalia Colys

“I am the true Vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the Vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” John 15:1–4 (NIV)

God promises to prune. What a lovely statement—well, I mean, there may be a hint of sarcasm there. Am I the only one who freaks out a little bit when I read it? I can be overwhelmed by the fruit I don’t bear, or the fruit I should bear, the process of pruning and cutting away some things. Will it hurt? Will I suffer? How long will it take? What if you just let me be?

We could explore that! Let’s play out the alternative: never prune, never cut off the branches that don’t bear fruit, and become that brown-leafed, limp, sad, withered branch. You see, God does not prune to hurt us but to help us bear fruit—bear much fruit. He wants to see the branches strengthened, stretched out, providing shade for others. He is so kind to us that He doesn’t leave us to simply tolerate the dead parts of our lives. He chooses to bring life to areas that have withered.

Here’s the thing: if you read further, you realise what He asks of us is the easy part. Abide. Remain. Dwell. Tarry. Continue. He will take care of the rest. The fruit will come as we remain, as we stay. His word is true, and His word does the work in you.

So today, remain in His love, remain in His word, remain in His promises. Remain.

Prayer Points:

• Ask God to help you embrace His pruning process with trust, not fear.
• Pray for strength to remain deeply connected to Jesus daily.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to bring new life and fruitfulness in areas that feel withered.
  Commit to abiding in God’s love, Word, and promises.