Devotion:
Read John 15:4-12.
This teaching from Jesus comes in the middle of a long section in “The Gospel According To John” that is during the evening before Jesus was arrested. He is giving some final instructions to his disciples about what it means to belong to him, what it means to serve him and continue his mission. He has already let them know that when he leaves, the Holy Spirit would be sent to continue to guide and teach them. Spending time with this Spirit will be just like spending time with him. And he makes it clear that spending time with him, staying connected to him, is vital for them to continue to do his work. If they get disconnected from him, it will be just like a branch getting disconnected from a vine or tree. It cannot survive on its own. It certainly cannot bear fruit on its own. It must be connected to that vine.
As you continue on your journey through Lent, be sure to assess how you use your time each day and whether you are giving enough focused time to staying connected to our Lord. Spend time in prayer. Spend time in silence, just to listen. Spend time in the Bible. Spend time with other Christians. Spend time in service to others. All of this and more will be means through which the Spirit will guide you, empower you and keep you connected to the Source of life and love.
As we saw yesterday in Galatians, did you notice that love is once again an emphasis of what this life in the Spirit looks like? To “remain in him” is to remain in his love. If we do that, then we can obey his command: “Love each other as I have loved you.”
Personal Worship Option:
Consider this prayer: Lord of life and love, help me to stay connected to you so that I can love others and help them come to know you. Through Christ, Amen.
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