By Andrew Williams
Opening Prayer
Lord, may our lives be a testament to your life-giving power, bearing fruit that points a watching world to You.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
John 15:8
“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
As we conclude our first week on abiding, Jesus gives us the ultimate purpose and promise of this connected life. The goal of abiding is not just our own spiritual peace or personal growth; it is to “produce much fruit.” This fruitfulness is the evidence that we are His “true disciples.” It is the outward verification of our inward connection.
This fruit has two dimensions. As we saw yesterday, it’s the internal fruit of a changed character (the Fruit of the Spirit). But it’s also the external fruit of a changed life that impacts others—acts of service, sharing our faith, and leading others to Jesus. A branch connected to a healthy vine doesn’t just produce one or two grapes; it produces clusters. A life fully abiding in Christ will have an abundant, noticeable impact.
And what is the final goal of all this fruit? It “brings great glory to my Father.” When people see the love, joy, and peace in our lives, and when they see the good we do for others, they don’t ultimately praise us; they praise the God who is the source of it all. Our abiding is the pathway to God’s glory.
Disciples’ Life Tip: Reflect on this question: Who in my life is able to “taste” the fruit that God is producing through me? Pray for one person today, that they would see the work of God in you and be drawn to Him.
Closing Prayer: Father God, it is our deepest desire to bring You glory. Help us to abide so deeply in You that our lives produce abundant fruit, pointing everyone we meet to Your goodness and grace. Amen.
