A simple picture of abiding: the life of the vine is already the life of the branches.
Transcript
Abiding in Christ is strangely simple, which may be why we keep making it difficult. Jesus did not tell the branch to struggle to produce fruit. He said, “Abide in me.” The branch lives from the vine. We are already one with Christ; His life is ours. Abiding is living from that union. Suppose I become irritated with someone. My instinct is to repair myself, to calm down, become loving, behave spiritually. But Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” So I stop. Lord Jesus, I cannot produce what you are asking for. But you are here, and I am in you. I remain there. Then patience is no longer something I manufacture. Christ himself is my patience. His life moves through the branch. Perhaps my voice softens. Perhaps I simply become quiet. Perhaps instead of defending myself, I listen. That is fruit. The branch did not imitate the vine. The life of the vine appeared through the branch. Abiding is Christ becoming visible through an ordinary human life because that person remained in Him.
Continue reading
The Quiet Turning of the Heart
Receive new reflections
After subscribing, check your inbox for the confirmation email and click Confirm. Check spam if it does not arrive.
