Abide

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
John 15:4

Abiding means intentionally creating space for the Holy Spirit and the truth of God to transform us into people of love. Transformation does not happen primarily by our effort or striving to be better; instead, we are transformed by regularly being in His presence.

Reflection

Take some time, reflect, and work through these questions to help you examine your thought life. Write them in your journal.

What rhythms do you currently use to “abide in the vine”?
Obedience to Jesus leads to greater intimacy with Jesus. We cannot slap on a little devotional time over a life of disobedience and expect a rich experience of His presence. Honest evaluation is needed. What areas of your life are you choosing to not listen to or obey Jesus?
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. John 15:10. Where do you need to repent so that you more fully obey and abide in His love?

What do you need to stop doing in order to create space for a new rhythm of abiding in Jesus? For example, are you sleeping in too late or wasting your time on entertainment or media?
What spiritual disciplines or practices would help you to have a regularly scheduled rhythm of abiding in Jesus? What do you need to start doing in order to continually abide in Him?