Main Thought
We’re already loved by God. Jesus said that He loves us to the same degree as the Father loves Him. If God loves us in such an incredible way, why don’t we always experience His love? Internal factors (like sin) and external factors (like Satan and his demons) pull us away from God like a powerful current. We try to find love in sources that might be very good, but that were never meant to fully sustain us. This eventually creates tension, disappointment, and a frantic search for more.
That’s why Jesus calls us to abide in Him. When we keep His commandments, we put ourselves in position to better perceive and participate in God’s love. In turn, we become more like Christ and help others draw closer to Him. That’s what it means to have a fruitful life according to God’s Word. That’s what it really means to thrive - and when we abide, we thrive.
Main Passages
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
- John 15:4-5 ESV
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”
- John 15:8-10 ESV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.”
- John 4:35-36 ESV
Discussion Questions
God’s love is extended to us unconditionally - but our experience of God’s love is contingent upon whether or not we abide in Him. Would you say you’re in a good position to perceive and participate in God’s love? Why or why not?
Commenting on humanity’s ultimate need for God’s love, Augustine of Hippo said, "Our heart is restless until it rests in you.” What are your thoughts on this statement?
Biblical fruitfulness can refer to both the formation of Christlike character and helping others become closer to God (see Galatians 5 and John 4 above). Would you like to see more of this “fruit” in your life? What is one practical way you can partner with God to make that happen?