Inspect the Vine — Part 2: Bearing Fruit That Lasts

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” John 15:16 (NIV)

In Part 1, we talked about the importance of staying connected to the Vine, Jesus, and the need to inspect our connection, allowing God to prune away anything that hinders our growth. Today, we step into the beautiful promise of what happens when we do stay connected: we bear much fruit and not just temporary fruit, but fruit that remains.

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The Right Connection Brings Real Growth

When we are properly connected to Christ, the life of God flows through us. We’re no longer trying to produce love, peace, joy, or patience in our own strength but those qualities become the natural outpouring of His Spirit in us.

It’s like a grapevine loaded with clusters of rich, sweet fruit. No branch is straining or stressing to produce grapes. The branch just abides in the vine, and the life of the vine does the work.

That’s what God invites us into. We are not called to strive; we are called to abide. And as we do, our lives begin to reflect His character in ways we couldn’t manufacture on our own.

Fruit That Lasts

The most beautiful part? The fruit we bear when we’re connected to Christ remains.

Our love isn’t surface-level. It’s deep and resilient.
Our joy isn’t tied to circumstances. It’s anchored in Christ.
Our peace isn’t momentary. It stands firm in every storm.

But here’s the truth we don’t talk about enough: it’s hard to be authentic in a world that isn’t.

It’s hard to hold on to love when people disappoint you.
It’s hard to cling to peace when trials shake your life.
It’s hard to show joy when circumstances are heavy.

But friend, it is worth it. Every time you choose to abide, every time you choose to lean into Christ when it would be easier to quit, you’re producing a fruit that speaks louder than words. You’re leaving a mark on the world that reflects Him and that kind of fruit will not fade away.

Abiding in Every Season

Life will bring challenges. Seasons will change. Storms will come. But when we are firmly connected to the Vine, we are not tossed and broken. We are held steady. And the fruit of that connection will continue to bless not only our lives but the lives of those around us.

So how do we abide?

Stay in God’s Word. Let it shape your thoughts and decisions.
Stay in prayer. Keep the conversation with God open and honest.
Stay in community. Surround yourself with people who point you to Christ.
Stay surrendered. Let God prune, refine, and shape you.

A Life That Speaks

The world is desperate to see authentic fruit; the kind that comes from a life rooted in Christ. When you stay connected to Him, your life becomes a living testimony of His power and goodness. And that fruit? It won’t fade or fail. It will remain.

Let’s stay close to the Vine. Let’s bear fruit that glorifies God, blesses others, and leaves a mark that lasts beyond us.

Remember,
FREE looks good on you.