January 4: Those Who Abide Bear Much Fruit
Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit. St John
Gregg’s Reflection
John 15:5 tells us I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
Galatians 5:22–23 tells us the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness.
My wife, Genie, does cross stitch, and we have beautiful pieces of her work hanging throughout our home. One of her early projects was a simple rendering of this verse. Yet, despite the constant reminder, for many years I did not aspire to kindness, patience, goodness, or gentleness. I was too busy in the business world chasing success and competing with everyone to prove myself.
In recent years, I have come to cherish these fruits of the Spirit.
They have slowly emerged in my life through the Spirit’s movement, grace, and the unending flow of God’s love. Carl McColman captures this beautifully:
To embody union with God is to discover these beautiful characteristics emerging from within and slowly transfiguring us into the very image and likeness of God himself.
Remaining in Christ’s love, as Richard Rohr writes, allows us to see love, peace, and beauty everywhere — and to honor them.
Scripture
I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness.
Galatians 5:22–23
Ancient Quotes
Love is the root, the source, and the end of all the virtues. Only when we are rooted in love can the fruits of the Spirit grow in us.” — Augustine, Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Tractate 8.8
The branches that remain united to the vine draw life from it and bear fruit; but when cut off, they wither. So it is with the soul that withdraws from the love of God.
Gregory the Great, Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 27
Modern Quotes
The central practice in Franciscan mysticism… is that we must remain in love (John 15:9). Only when we are eager to love can we see love and goodness in the world around us.
Richard Rohr, CAC Morning Meditation, September 27, 2019
Journaling Prompts
- What does “abiding in Christ” mean to you in this season of your life?
- What kind of fruit do you hope will grow from your abiding?
- What small step can you take today to remain connected to the Vine?
- Which fruits of the Spirit do you most aspire to manifest in your life?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 1 reflection: Abiding/Resting in God