THE FRUIT OF LOVE

“It was not you who chose Me, it was I Who chose you to go forth and bear fruit.” —John 15:16

In the very first chapter of the Bible, we hear the Lord’s first words to the newly created human race. He commanded us to bear fruit (Gn 1:28). We are chosen specifically for the purpose of bearing much fruit that will last (Jn 15:16, 5). Shortly before His Ascension, Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations, that is, to bear the fruit of holiness and evangelization (Mt 28:19). We will come to a tragic end unless we bear fruit (Lk 13:5-9), for we will be judged on whether we had the faith and love to obey His commands, particularly His command to bear fruit.

Because bearing fruit is so important, Jesus tries to make sure we bear fruit. He Himself will bear fruit through us. All we have to do is to remain in Him and He in us (Jn 15:5). A deep, abiding, personal relationship with Jesus always bears His fruit. A branch doesn’t have to worry about bearing fruit. It just has to let the life of the Vine flow through it. Intimacy with Jesus is always fruitful. Abide in Him and He in you.

PRAYER: Father, make my relationship with You so deep that it bears a hundredfold harvest (see Mk 4:20).
PROMISE: “When it was read there was great delight at the encouragement it gave.” –Acts 15:31
PRAISE: Praying for holiness, Patricia thus began to see God in herself and others.