Scripture

John 15:5, 7-8 (NRSV)

“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.…If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

Consider

Forgiveness is divine fruit from the vine of Christ that we bear in our lives. Such fruit glorifies God because it makes the love and mercy of God visible to those around us. We can produce this life-giving fruit only by “abiding in Christ” and making room in our lives for Christ to abide in us.

Choosing to abide in Christ means actively pursuing a close and mutual attachment with our Savior. Spiritual fruit like forgiveness is the outward expression of Christ’s love flowing through us and evidence of discipleship that has taken some time to mature. No branch immediately bears fruit but must go through seasons of growth and pruning before it produces the crop that God desires.

We might think of abiding in Christ as a matter of mind, hands, and heart:

• MIND – We submit our thoughts and attitudes for God to examine and reshape into a likeness of Christ’s mind.
• HANDS – We interact with the world through words and actions that are motivated by love and the desire to bring God glory.
• HEART – We continually seek a mystical, supernatural communion with God in our innermost being.

When these three aspects of discipleship are vitally present, we can produce abundant spiritual fruit that furthers the kingdom of God in our circle of relationships. It also follows that, if we find ourselves unable to produce the fruit that God desires, we are probably weak in at least one of these three areas.

The next time forgiving seems difficult or impossible, take a look at these three aspects of abiding in the One True Vine. Where is the flow of Christ’s love in your life restricted? Ask God to help you release this area to the refining work of the Spirit. Pray for the desire and means to bear fruit that God will use to bless the people around you.

Pray

FATHER, forgiving is one of those fruits I often try to produce on my own with little success. Thank you for your never-ending flow of grace and love through Jesus, our One True Vine. Show me where I have restricted that flow in my life and release me to bear fruit for your glory.

Reflect

Matthew 7:20;  1 John 3:23-24

Challenge

Where in your life does God want to release you to grow deeper in love and bear fruit for the kingdom?