Beloved,

Abiding in Christ is not accomplished through human strength alone. We need the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to walk in obedience, resist the desires of the flesh and develop the character of Christ. As we yield ourselves to Him, the fruit of the Spirit becomes increasingly evident in our lives.

There will also be seasons when God prunes us. Pruning can involve correction, change, waiting, disappointment or the removal of things that are preventing greater fruitfulness. These seasons may not always be comfortable, but they can bring us into deeper dependence upon Christ. We must not disconnect from Jesus when life becomes difficult. Instead, difficult seasons should draw us closer to Him.

The evidence that we are abiding in Christ is fruit. Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (John 15:8). As we remain connected to Him, His character should increasingly become visible in our lives, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

The goal of abiding is not simply to know more about Jesus but to become more like Jesus.

Every day, we have an opportunity to remain connected to the Vine. Stay in His Word. Stay in prayer. Walk in obedience. Depend on the Holy Spirit. Remain in His love. Continue in fellowship with other believers. Allow Christ to produce His fruit through your life.

Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you.”

The branch does not struggle to produce fruit by itself. It simply remains connected to the vine. In the same way, our responsibility is to remain in Christ, and as we do, His life will produce fruit through us.

Stay connected to the Vine.
Stay in His Word.
Stay in prayer.
Stay in obedience.
Stay in His love.
And let your life bear fruit for His glory.

Happy New Month!

Adeolu Bakare