Loving Dependently - Living Out God's Love

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9, NIV)

Not long ago, I purchased a Bible for a friend doubting God’s love and highlighted all the times Scripture mentioned the term. When I began this task, I did not realize that according to your chosen translation, the word appears 686 times! God wasn’t just wanting my friend to realize His love for her, but desiring my comprehension of His love for me, too! The repetition alone clearly demonstrates the importance of this message. No wonder the Bible is regularly referred to as “God’s Love Letter.”

However, we can easily miss the realization of His love for us if we don’t spend time with Him. A friend of mine equates this to spending time with a potential mate’s friend, to try to get to know your future husband. We would never do that! We must spend quality time with our significant others to feel close to them. This concept applies to any relationship in our lives, and the same is true with God. If we want to feel connected to God, it’s essential we abide with Him through Scripture reading, prayer, and worship.

While I know we are all busy, what would transpire if you spent thirty minutes, an hour, or more with God every day? Imagine the impact on your relationship with Him and how that might transform your life.

I don’t always get this right. I’m guilty of working for God and considering that time spent with God. Recently, I was getting up early to write devotions. I’d heard your most productive writing occurs early in the morning because your mind is clear and more creative. However, I found I lacked inspiration after several weeks of practicing this new routine. I was putting in the work but wasn’t bearing much fruit.

At this realization, John 15:5 popped into my head, “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” With a sting of conviction, I changed my morning routine back to being with Him first. When I began my day communing with God, I noticed a change in my heart and mind, affecting my actions and behaviors. My family could tell the difference, too!

We don’t have to stop our communion with God after time spent reading His Word. We can continue to dwell with Him by playing worship music in the car, while exercising, or doing chores. We can also talk to Christ and abide with Him throughout the day.

To abide means to remain or stay. Jesus illustrates an abiding relationship with Him through the Parable of the Vine and the Branches. In this parable, Christ is the vine, and God is the gardener who cares for the branches (us) to make them fruitful. Apart from Christ, our efforts will be in vain.

Many of us want the abundance God offers, but we are unwilling to put forth the effort to improve our intimacy with Him. Experiencing God, doing His will, developing perseverance, and loving others does not come automatically; they require hard work. God empowers and enables us, but He gives us the task to learn and grow. Unfathomably, He has chosen and appointed us to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last (John 15:16). What a privilege and responsibility it is to abide in communion with Him.

Father, I am grateful I get to commune with You. Thank you for allowing me to abide in You. Remind me that apart from You I can do nothing, but with You nothing is impossible. Help me to stay connected with You so I may bear much fruit. I want my life to bring forth abundance for Your Kingdom and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine? What intentional steps can you take to dwell with Him more?