“4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:4,5)
Lord, help us to abide in you that we might bring forth much fruit for your glory.
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7) A similar promise was given in chapter 14, verses 13 and 14. A prerequisite to answered prayer is abiding in Christ and letting Christ’s words abide in me.
“10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love…. 12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you…. 14) Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you…. 17) These things I command you, that ye love one another.” (John 15:10,12,14,17)
How do we abide in Christ’s love? by keeping His commandments. What is the condition for being Christ’s friend? obeying His commandments. What is His commandment? to love one another as He has loved us.
~T. J. L. Y.