I AM | The True Vine pt 2

In John 15, Jesus paints a powerful picture of our relationship with Him using the analogy of a vine and branches. He is the true vine, and we, as His followers, are the branches meant to bear fruit. But what kind of fruit is He talking about? Some believe it refers only to winning souls, but Scripture shows that fruitfulness encompasses much more. It includes the fruits of repentance, the fruit of the Spirit, and the ways we use our God-given gifts to impact others. Jesus’ message in this passage is clear—fruitfulness is not an option; it should be the norm for every believer.

One of the most important truths about fruit is that it always bears the character of the tree it comes from. Just as an apple tree produces apples, a life connected to Jesus will naturally reflect His nature. Moreover, fruit is always visible and benefits others. The Christian life is meant to be lived out in a way that draws people in, allowing them to see the goodness of God through our actions, words, and attitudes. A truly fruitful life isn’t self-serving—it enriches those around us.

However, fruit doesn’t appear overnight. Unlike spiritual gifts, which are given instantly, fruit must grow over time. This means we must be patient in our spiritual journey, allowing God to cultivate and refine us. Interestingly, Jesus never commands us to "produce" fruit—only to bear it. This distinction is crucial because it shifts the focus from self-effort to dependence on Christ. Just as a branch doesn’t struggle to grow fruit but simply remains attached to the vine, we thrive spiritually when we prioritize abiding in Him.

Ultimately, the key to a productive Christian life is abiding—remaining deeply connected to Christ. This isn’t about religious duty but about developing a joyful, intimate, and ongoing relationship with Him. Abiding means spending time in His presence, walking in obedience, and allowing His life to flow through us. When we do this, fruitfulness becomes a natural byproduct of our relationship with Jesus. So the question isn’t whether we’re producing enough—it’s whether we’re abiding enough.