Abide - John 15Sample

As we abide in Jesus, we are called friends. To think we can form a friendship with someone who lived in the Middle East thousands of years ago seems absurd to many. However, to others throughout history from the first disciples to today, this is exactly what they have experienced. Jesus is alive and active in our lives through the Spirit. Over time we find ourselves knowing what Jesus might think of different situations we find ourselves in.

Of course we always do this imperfectly, hence the need for the Lord’s pruning. This is not necessarily a pleasant process, but the results are worth it: friendship with God. We can trust that the Lord is gentle in pruning; as the lyrics of “Abide” say: “how you love is kind and careful, every part you prune is fruitful. I desire one thing only, you and only you.”