How Abiding Changes the Way We See Spiritual Fruit
As we walk through this life, abiding, dwelling, staying close to Jesus, I admit I want to see a purpose. And in John 15 Christ promises fruit. Bible scholars have talked about what this “fruit” is, but most agree this is inward change, not outward change. So what is this spiritual fruit?
As we stay close to Jesus, listening to His Word, communicating to Him through prayer, and simply setting our minds on thoughts of Him, we will act different. What we think about, mediate on, and remember affects our actions.
Abiding Brings Spiritual Fruit
The common assumption is that when we say, “fruit” we mean something measurable. The imagery of the vine, branches, and gardening all point to something we can take away and hold in our hands. We think as we abide we will read the Bible more, pray longer, serve better, or witness more effectively.
Many times I’ve connected this faith here in John 15 to the list Paul gives us in Galatinas 5.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
But Jesus, immediately after takling about the Vine and branches, talks about love.
The purpose of abiding isn’t simply spiritual productivity. It’s transformation into people who look like Christ. And this is first found in how we love others.Â
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12
As we abide deeper, we experience, remember, and live our lives knowing we are first loved. Jesus says we will love others, but only after we have wrapped ourselves around the love He has for us.Â
The secret to loving others is to rest secure in Christ’s love for us.
As we spend daily time with Christ, obedience comes. Not perfectly but consistently. After years of meeting with God, I have not become perfect but I have found His love for me deepen. The abiding life is one filled with Christ’s love for me. It is deep, wide, and steadfast. When I am settled in this love, the fruit is I can love others better.Â
Abiding Changes How We Love People
Loving other people doesn’t mean we become doormats or seek out ways to meet every need. We love others in quiet ways. Maybe we respond gently to a child after a long day. I’ve found the fruit of love shows up as I have forgiven when someone hurts me or when I am quick to encourage a friend walking through sadness.
God often brings to mind people who might be forgotten and somehow, God’s grace extends to others through me. These moments are not dramatic. But as Christ’s love dwells within us, we will see our love for others deepen as well.
- responding gently to a child after a long day
- choosing patience with your husband
- forgiving someone who hurt you
- encouraging a discouraged friend
- noticing someone who feels forgotten
- extending grace instead of criticism
As we continue abiding, God quietly produces the fruit. Remember, we are only the branches. The love we extend to others comes from the Source of Love. Focusing our hearts with abiding in Christ produces a greater love for God and a greater compassion for others. Â
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And {Jesus} said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:36-39
The command to love can feel hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Abiding helps us grow until loving others is an extension of God’s love for us. The thing about fruit is that it takes time. Don’t rush it.
Over months and years, people may notice something different about us—not because we’ve become impressive Christians, but because we’ve become people who reflect the love of Christ.
- Am I growing in love for Jesus?
- Am I becoming more gracious toward the people around me?
Abiding isn’t about trying harder to love. It’s about staying close to the One who is love. As we remain in Him, His love begins to flow through us—back to God, out toward others, and upward again in prayer. That is the beautiful fruit of abiding.