How do we become a better friend?
We press in to the True Vine. In the entire 15th chapter of John, Jesus talks about the importance of abiding in the True Vine. Jesus said in John 15:9-17,
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.14 You are my friends if you do what I command.15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.17 This is my command: Love each other. (NIV)
Today we have a day to fast for our friends at The Imperfect Wives and our friends from other areas of our lives.
Jesus reminds us that we are His friends as we do what He commands. He has chosen us! He has appointed us to go and bear fruit. Fruit that will last.
We are called to love each other. What a beautiful way to show love for our friends than to pray for them!
We can pray for them to be grafted to the True Vine (pray for their salvation) or we can pray that they be fruit-bearers for the Vine (growing, vibrant Christians who love Jesus with a passion).
We need to remember that we are called to bear fruit that will last. Not fruit that blooms for a season and looks pretty on the tree – but fruit that will last – even beyond its season.
We only can produce that kind of fruit as we stay attached, fully integrated in the Vine, Jesus Christ.
God has chosen us, and given us everything we need to be fruit bearers.
Feast on His Word as you fast today on behalf of those friends God has laid on your heart. Allow the Holy Spirit to mold you into the friend you need to be so that the fruit of your life will be fruit that lasts and spills over into the life of all your friends.
♥ Kim
