Abiding with Jesus leads to much spiritual fruit
What did Jesus mean when He said "Abide in me and I will abide in you in John 15?"
Some translations use the word 'remain' instead of 'abide'. The Greek word for abide is “menō”. It means to remain in one place with someone at a given time. It is characterized by waiting, endurance, perseverance, expectation, and intimacy. This means that Jesus wants us to spend time with Him.
This is a mind-blowing concept! This is more than just praying.
Dutch Sheets, a Christian writer, calls it “enjoying the pleasure of His company”. Of course, we all want to spend more time with Jesus, but life - for all of us- has many distractions. Setting aside time daily to be with Jesus takes discipline, but it does not mean we have to become legalistic about it.
Jesus also says that when we abide in Him, we will bear much fruit. So, what is this fruit?
It is spiritual fruit and could be the good works we do, our character (Gal 5:22-23), and it also refers to the result of testifying about Jesus, and making disciples (Rom 1:13, Phil 1:22).
Also, fruit can mean the prayers that God answers, because, Jesus says in John 15:7, “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”. Jesus also promised us that the fruit we will bear from abiding with Him will last (Jn 15:16).
When we abide with Jesus, and experience His unconditional love, our love for others increases. This love motivates us to testify to people about Jesus, and make disciples that last (Jn 15:27).
Abiding with Jesus bears much fruit. It shows that we are Jesus’ disciples, and this brings glory to the Father (John 15:8).
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