“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” —John 15:1–5

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The Fruit of the Vine
By Jennifer Kane

Jesus is the vine,
I am a branch, grafted in.
As I abide, he produces fruit—
love, the first segment,
a slice of mercy offered
to those who wound with malice.

Joy follows,
its tender wedge
shining through the shadow
of despair, a radiant reaction
to a world of gray.

Peace nestles next,
its sweet balm resting
in the chaos of trouble,
a stillness that stands
against the storm.

Patience unfurls slowly,
a deliberate segment
amid the whirl of all
that maddens,
a quiet perseverance.

Kindness bends softly,
its juice spilling grace
over those who bruise
and tear, a gentle answer
to the unkind.

Goodness shines golden,
a ripe response
to bitter acts and broken ways,
offering what is right
in a world of wrong.

Faithfulness holds steady,
a piece of trust against the lies.
Gentleness curves inward,
soft strength in fury’s face.

Last comes self-control,
the binding fiber of the fruit,
an unwavering core
that keeps each segment whole—
a Christlike anchor
to all that pulls you apart.

In the vine’s embrace,
the segments of this fruit become one,
each slice a part of love’s design.
I’ll hold the fruit and abide
in the love that nourishes all of me.

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Scriptures: John 15:1-5, Galatians 5:22-25

Throughout Scripture, the vine serves as a symbol of God’s relationship with His people. In the Old Testament, Israel was often depicted as God’s vineyard (Psalm 80:8–9, Isaiah 5:1–2), but these references often carried a tone of disappointment over Israel’s failure to bear good fruit. Against this backdrop, Jesus declares, “I am the true vine.” In doing so, He invites His disciples to see Him as the ultimate source of life and fruitfulness. Unlike Israel, which struggled to fulfill its role, Jesus as the true vine ensures abundant and lasting fruit for those who remain connected to Him.

The word abide means “to stay in one place for a long time,” and its root implies perseverance through adversity. To abide in Jesus is to remain connected to Him, not just during peaceful seasons but especially through life’s struggles. It’s a conscious choice to stay rooted in Christ by prayer, worship, and engaging with His Word.

Why is abiding so critical? A branch disconnected from the vine withers and dies—it cannot bear fruit. Similarly, Jesus makes it clear: “Without Me, you can do nothing.” True fruit—the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)—can only come from a life lived in intimate connection with Him.

As the vinedresser, the Father lovingly tends the vine. He prunes the branches that bear fruit so they will bear even more. This pruning may involve removing distractions, bad habits, or sin in our lives. While the process can feel painful, it’s far better to be pruned and grow than to wither and be cast away.

The idea of pruning also carries a cleansing aspect. Jesus reminds His disciples, “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” God’s Word cleanses us, convicting us of sin, inspiring holiness, and conditioning us for fruitful service.

Did you know that grapevines often produce their best fruit under stress? Adverse conditions, like extreme weather, result in heartier, healthier grapes and higher-quality wine. Likewise, God uses life’s struggles to produce sweet fruit in us. When we stay connected to Jesus during hardships—remaining loving in a strained relationship, showing self-control when mistreated, or displaying patience with challenging people—the fruit of the Spirit grows, and the world takes notice.

This fruit is not for our benefit alone. Like natural fruit, it’s meant to nourish others. When people encounter us, they should “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). Our love, joy, peace, and kindness point them to the Vine—the true source of life.

Jesus didn’t call us to produce fruit—only to carry it. He is the Vine; we are the branches. Just as a branch can’t manufacture grapes on its own, we cannot manufacture spiritual fruit apart from Him. Yet when we abide in Him, the fruit comes naturally.

This shifts the burden off our shoulders. Bearing fruit isn’t about striving or self-effort. It’s about staying connected to Jesus and letting His life flow through us.

Have you ever tried to produce the fruit of the Spirit in your own strength? How did that go? What could you do differently next time? Think about a time you stayed close to God during adversity. What fruit came out of that season? How did others notice?

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Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus, the true Vine, and for allowing me to be grafted into Your life and love as a branch. I praise You for being the source of all nourishment and strength, sustaining me in every season. I confess that apart from You, I can do nothing. Help me to remain steadfast in You, especially when life feels overwhelming and the weight of adversity bears down.

Father, I invite You to prune me where necessary. Though the process may feel painful, I trust in Your loving hands, knowing that You remove only what hinders my growth. Shape me to bear abundant fruit for Your glory, fruit that reflects Your character and blesses those around me.

Fill me, Lord, with the fruit of the Spirit. May the fruit of my life be a testimony of Your grace and power. Let others taste and see Your goodness through me. As I abide in You, may Your Spirit transform me from the inside out, renewing my heart and mind daily. Thank You for Your faithfulness and the promise that as I remain in You, You will remain in me.

I surrender myself to You, trusting You to finish the good work You have begun. Thank You for Your love, patience, and constant presence. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

December 1 2024