Abide.... Strength

"Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."  (John 15:4  RSV)

It can be interesting reading different translations.  Sometimes the same word, sometimes different words, but - generally - the same meaning.  When you think of "abide" do you think of "remain"?  What do you think of with "remain"?  Does it require being in a sentence?  Interesting questions....

The readings, today, give some of the answers.  Philip is helping the eunuch understand who Jesus (the Vine) is.  (Acts 8:35)  John is excited about knowing, growing and testifying about Jesus.  (1 John 4:14)  Jesus, himself, is telling all of us the importance of a strong relationship.  "Abide" means 'to dwell on sojurn.'  "Remain" means "to be left after others have been removed."  The message uses "make your home in me."  The Jerusalem Bible translation uses the same phrasing.  Jesus is stressing the importance of staying connected to God through himself.

So..... how is your relationship with God through Jesus Christ?  Do you "abide, remain, make your home in"?  Are you keeping a strong relationship - especially as you are 'bearing fruit'?  As Caregivers we are constantly 'giving out, doing, bearing fruit' meaning we need to stay "remaining, abiding, making our home" in the Vine."  Something to think about.......​