Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
John 15:4 · , KJV
Jesus' horticulture is simple: the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine. No branch ever strained its way to grapes. It stayed connected, and fruit happened.
Much Christian exhaustion comes from attempting fruit without attachment — love, patience, and peace manufactured by willpower. Jesus offers the saner order: abide first. The life of the vine does the rest.
Abiding looks unspectacular: unhurried prayer, his words dwelling in you, quick returns when you drift. Do the staying today, and let him do the growing.
