Remain in me, as I remain in you. In John 15, Jesus uses the image of the vine and the branches to describe the intimate relationship he has with his followers. The chapter includes the word “remain” fourteen times. Anyone who has ever been married, been part of a religious community, been a friend knows that “remaining” in that relationship is not always easy. There are times when you are tempted to chuck the whole thing as you wonder if it’s worth it. However, if we remain, if we hang in there, then we discover a deeper and more meaningful connection. That is why the second most common word in John 15 is “love” — appearing ten times. Genuine love requires remaining in relationships through thick and thicker.
MAY132020
By Church Staff
