Friday Reflection January 21, 2022

Friday Reflection January 21, 2022

Good morning friends, happy Friday!
Today’s text for reflection is from the book of St. John 15:16:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16 NIV
https://john.bible/john-15-16

Many argue that the first part of this verse is referring to initial salvation and that Jesus also chose who would believe in him. The matter of free will then became the subject of critics. However, if we should read the full chapter especially verse 1 to 15, we would get a clearer picture of what Jesus was saying and to whom.

It was just hours before Jesus’ crucifixion when He  uttered the words recorded in this verse. It is a common understanding among believers that Jesus was talking to his disciples. It could not have been that Jesus was was referring to salvation because they ( the disciples) were already believers in Christ.

What Jesus was making reference to was the whole matter of bearing fruit. Not only did he urge them to bear fruit, but to let their fruit remain! Jesus also said in the latter part of the verse “and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you”. Being a branch in Christ Jesus and bearing fruit gives a believer benefits.

Just like them, we too are Jesus’ disciples and we are chosen by him to bear lasting fruit. What is this fruit you might ask. The fruit of the spirit! Kindness, love , joy, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, long-suffering, self-control and peace! Brothers and sisters, being branches in Christ Jesus, the True Vine doesn’t exempt us from trials and temptation. However, we are called to remain in him and bear good fruit and maintain a good relationship with Him and others.

If we maintain our place in Jesus and continue to bear fruit, it would enable us to ask for whatever we need from God the Father… Not just any and everything, but whatever is in line with the will of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And once that is the case God will grant it!

 For those who have already accepted the free gift of salvation, you are being called to live a fruitful and faithful life! For those who have not yet been saved by grace, salvation is yours today if you only believe! You cannot bear fruit unless you are abiding in the True Vine.

God Bless you!

Shaneka Raymore Euphfa