The word love – mentioned three times in this single verse – has a powerful root. Love, in this context, translates to agape in the Greek. Agape is unconditional love – it requires nothing in return and abounds in grace (undeserved favor). We could read the verse like this: “As the Father has unconditionally loved Me, so I deeply love you with a love that requires nothing in return. Now dwell richly in My abounding grace.”
John 15:8: Glorifying God
So often we try to add to God’s glory through our own efforts. 1 Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Meditations from John 15:7: Remain
Meditations from John 15:6: Cast Aways
Meditations from John 15:5: Only a Branch!
Meditations from John 15:4: Sit Down
Meditations from John 15:3: The Cleansing Word
Meditations from John 15:2: One for One
The vine. The husbandman. And now, the branch. The branch doesn’t have to do anything. Simply by connecting to the vine, sap and strength flow into that piece of wood so it may bear fruit. Oh, how we strive, perform, and tirelessly labor to produce fruit at times! Yet, all God bids us to do is be still in Him.
Meditations from John 15: The Vinedresser
Previously, we meditated on how Jesus is the true vine, which means there are vine substitutes in this world. Now He continues on and speaks of how God is the vinedresser. That’s not a word we use much in this area and day, but it refers to Him being the caregiver or caretaker of your life. He farms and tends to the soil of your heart so it offers deep root and abundant fruit.
Meditations from John 15: I am the true vine
We have the Exodus study going now (along with a hack-free blog!) and I mentioned starting some meditations on John 15. These are meant to be meaningful snippets to bring refreshment throughout the week. There is a short verse, then a bit of application. At the end there is a moment to praise Him, confess to Him, and petition Him. Make this portion your own – and from your own heart. I’ve provided words from my own soul to simply guide you.