Jn 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 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. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 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. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants,[a] for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Abide= 11X Love = 9X
Notice in just these 17 verses how many times the words Love and Abide are used. It is in the place of Abiding that we receive a clear picture of God, WHO IS LOVE Himself. It is in the place of Abiding that we receive a clear picture of Who WE really ARE. It is in the place of Abiding that our vision is lifted and our perspective is changed. It is in the place of Abiding we were ALWAYS meant to dwell!!!
In 1 Jn 2:1-26 we see the following effects of "Abiding"
Love of God is Perfected (when we obey-v4)
Walk as He walked (v6)
Love our Brother (v10)
No cause for Stumbling (v10)
Overcome evil one (v14)
Do the will of God (v17)
Abide FOREVER (v17)
Taught ALL things (v27)
Have confidence to not shrink back (boldness) (v28)
Ponder these things throughout your days and Pray this: "Lord Jesus, I invite your Holy Spirit to come and Abide with me. To teach me your ways and mold my heart into the image of God. I invite you to come and remind me of who you are and who I am because of You. I pray you teach me, Holy Spirit, how to Abide in the Vine of Love. Amen"
XOXO!!! Christina