“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.  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”
—John 15:1-17

~~~~~

Abide in the Vine of Love
By Jennifer Kane

Upon the hills of Palestine He tread,
Where vineyards bloom in earth’s warm bed.
The morning spills its golden grace,
And vine and branch in silence face
The Gardener’s hand, both firm and kind—
Tending the truth no root can hide.

The vines curl thick on ancient stone,
Twisting in strength that is not their own.
Clusters swell with crimson fire,
Born not of luck, but Love’s desire.
Yet every branch that bears no yield
Is lifted or pruned in the holy field.

“I am the Vine,” the whisper flows
Through fig-sweet air where jasmine grows.
“My Father tends with watchful eye,
And cuts away what will not lie
Within My life, My living frame—
For you must dwell within My name.”

And more—He speaks with voice like wine:
“As I am loved, so you are Mine.
Remain in Me, in all I give;
In My love, rise—and truly live.
No greater love has earth or breath
Than one who loves unto his death.”

A donkey brays near the olive press,
While children chase through wilderness,
Yet even their laughter seems to say:
Abide in Him—don’t drift away.
For apart from the Vine, the branches dry,
Like scattered twigs beneath the sky.

But here—and far beyond this land,
Grows more than fruit in human hand.
For every soul that clings in grace
Finds mercy sweet in love’s embrace.
And joy, full-grown, begins to swell
In those who keep His heart so well.

“You are My friends,” the Savior said,
“If you do all that I have led.
I chose you not for what you’ve done,
But that your fruit would shine like sun.
Love one another as I love you—
And you will show the world what’s true.”

O vineyard of the Promised One,
Where branches bloom beneath the Son,
In every leaf and every scar,
The Savior shows us who we are.
Remain in Him—O heart, remain—
And love shall flow through every vein.

~~~~~

Scripture: John 15:1-17

Jesus paints a vivid picture in John 15 of our relationship with Him—He is the true vine, the Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. This metaphor is not just about spiritual growth, but about love—rooted, sustained, and expressed through abiding in Him.

To abide in Jesus is to stay connected to the source of divine love. Just as branches cannot bear fruit unless they remain attached to the vine, we cannot live fruitful, joyful, or truly loving lives apart from Him. This abiding isn’t passive—it’s a daily choosing: to dwell in His Word, to obey His commands, and to love others with the same selfless love He has shown us.

Jesus does not call us servants, but friends—not because of our perfection, but because He has chosen us, loved us, and laid down His life for us. He invites us to bear fruit that lasts, fruit born of love, obedience, and intimacy with Him.

When we abide in the Vine of Love:
We draw nourishment from His grace.
We are pruned to grow stronger and more faithful.
We reflect His love in every relationship.
We bear fruit that blesses others and glorifies God.

Am I truly remaining in Jesus day by day, or am I trying to live from my own strength?
How is God pruning me to bear more fruit in love?
Who needs to experience Jesus’ love through my words or actions today?

This week, practice abiding by:
Daily reading John 15:1–17, slowly and prayerfully.
Doing one intentional act of love for someone each day, as a branch bearing fruit.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, You are the true Vine, and I am a branch longing to remain in Your love. Thank You for choosing me, pruning me, and calling me Your friend. Help me abide in You daily. Teach me to love as You have loved me, and let my life bear fruit that brings glory to the Father. In Your name, Amen.

June 20 2025