Seven Days with Scripture
Day 5 · Remain in love
Abiding · John 15:1–12
Allow about ten minutes. Read slowly, pause, and return whenever you are ready.
Read · John 15:1–12
Jesus speaks to His disciples before His arrest. His image of the vine joins dependence, pruning, fruit, prayer, obedience, and love.
15:1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinegrower.
15:2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every one that bears fruit He prunes, so that it may bear more fruit.
15:3 You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
15:4 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit from itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you unless you remain in Me.
15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, because apart from Me you can do nothing.
15:6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown outside like the branch and withers; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
15:7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
15:8 In this My Father has been glorified: that you bear much fruit and become My disciples.
15:9 Just as the Father loved Me, I also loved you. Remain in My love.
15:10 If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.
15:11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be made full.
15:12 “This is My commandment: that you love one another just as I loved you.
Read the passage in its full chapter · Saints Translation, reading edition. These New Testament readings follow the site’s declared SBL Greek New Testament base; source and editorial qualifications remain in force.
Reflect
Editorial reflection
Read the passage as a whole, including its difficult images of removal and burning. Its call to remain carries seriousness as well as consolation. The branch’s life comes through its relation to the vine; the disciple’s life is directed by Christ’s words. Jesus makes the shape of that life increasingly clear as He speaks of remaining in His love, keeping His commandments, and loving one another. Let the movement of the passage guide your reflection. Fruitfulness is expressed through this continuing relationship and its concrete love. Ask where attention to Christ’s words could become more regular, and where that attention is already asking something of you in relationship with another person.
Pray
Newly composed prayer
Lord Jesus, true Vine, keep me close to Your words and Your love. Tend what needs to grow and correct what turns me away from You. Let my life bear the fruit of patient, faithful love for others. Amen.
Consider
What small, regular practice would help me remain attentive to Christ and more loving toward someone near me?
Respond
Choose a short time to return to Scripture tomorrow. Pair it with one act of love for a particular person, such as a needed task or an attentive conversation.
Continue in context
Read the rest of John 15 to hear how Jesus continues from love and friendship into witness and opposition.
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Saints Translation is a Scripture translation and study collection by Vincent Melli. Working study edition; independent specialist review remains pending. Sources and review status.