Day 12: Remaining in the Vine
Scripture: John 15:4–5 (WEB)
“Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing.”
There is a sacred, holy, and immense peace in the words of Jesus here – a peace that urges us to release the need to strive for love. This peace compels us to embrace calm and sure abiding in the presence of God.
Jesus doesn’t send us out to bear fruit on our own. He doesn’t challenge us to perform, produce or create holiness. All he asks is that we remain in Him.
In the same ways that a branch draws it’s life from the vine, our spiritual life flows from staying connected to the source: Jesus.
We don’t – we can’t – create God’s life in us. We simply stay close, remaining in relationship, open to receive the overwhelming grace that God provides.
Remaining in Christ means we continually turn toward Him in all circumstances. We sit quietly in prayer and feel God’s presence. We continue to trust when fear pulls at us. We invite Him into every moment. In this we not only survive, we thrive in love, peace, and kindness. Our life is transformed from within when we rest in God.
When Jesus says, “Apart from me, you can do nothing,” we should hear, “When you remain in me, all things are possible.” When we remain in His love, we bear much fruit.
Practice for Today: Visualize the Vine
Spend a few minutes silently reflecting, visualizing yourself as a branch on a strong, living vine. Imagine the connection between you and Jesus—unbreakable, nourishing, steady.
Where do you feel dry, disconnected, or striving?
What would it be like to simply rest in the vine today?
As you go through your day, whisper inwardly: “Remain, abide, live.”
Journaling Prompt
“In what area of my life do I need to stop striving and start abiding? What fruit do I desire to see—and how can I trust Jesus to grow that fruit in me?”
Closing Blessing
Stay connected to the Vine today that gives you life,
not through your effort, but by simply trusting.
Feel the life of Christ to flow through you – quietly, deeply, surely.
Then, your life will bear witness to the source of real love;
not by the work of your hands, but by the outflow of His heart within you.
Pray As You Go
Inhale: “Remain in me…”
Exhale: “…and I in you.”
