John 15 - Every Man's Bible

15:1-8  God desires that our lives be like the fruitful branches of a grapevine. The only way to be fruitful is to remain connected to Jesus, the vine, and to allow God, the gardener, to prune our lives in ways that will stimulate growth and fruitfulness. It is God’s cultivating, weeding, and pruning in our lives that brings forth spiritual fruit. Just as sustenance for the desired fruit comes through the vine, so fullness of life comes through faith in Jesus Christ. We need to stay close to God in Jesus Christ, the source of our spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

15:9-12  Genuine, unconditional love overflows from the abundant love God has shown us. Only when we experience and remain in God’s love (shared by people we trust and respect) can we genuinely love ourselves and others. God’s joy is made complete in us when we experience his love in our lives.

15:26-27  It is crucial that we learn to depend on the Holy Spirit. As the source of “all truth” he gives wisdom to help us examine our lives; he helps us see past our self-deception. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of God’s Word, holds us accountable to other believers, and conforms us to the image of the Son. He can guide us to an accurate perception of ourselves, just like an unflattering mirror. The result will be convicting, but fulfilling—so much so that we cannot help but share the Good News with others.