The dictionary definition of the word “abide” includes, “to accept or act in accordance with; to follow, keep, hold or stand by; to respect”. Does this sound like your relationship with Jesus?
In today’s Gospel (John 15:1-8), the image of the vine and the branches is used to illustrate how Christ and we are alive within each other…”I am the vine and you are the branches. Abide in me as I abide in you”. Jesus assures us that we are accepted and held close. In turn, we follow Jesus and act in accordance with his loving ways.
Pastor Eric reminded us that the vine is a “life source”. If we do not get nourishment from our “vine”, we wither. If we forget who we are, God’s beautiful creations, we start to die. But when we are healthy and vibrant as branches of Christ’s vine, we produce fruit…the fruit of love and compassion and forgiveness. With that, we can truly “abide” in each other.
Click the link below to listen to the Gospel and sermon for this Fifth Sunday of Easter.