“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” vs5

Without our Lord Jesus Christ, we can do nothing. We cannot live the Christian life. This means that we can’t take one spiritual step without His power and anointing. Therefore, look to Him always, and not to yourself.

Salvation is by grace; it is God that works in us. As we believe the gospel, then He comes with power. Eyes on Christ leads to holiness, as we realize all that we have in the inheritance. God has connected the Holy Spirit to the gospel promises, and as we receive them, then we can do what He commands. It is not self-effort and self-strength; it is not us doing for ourselves; it is God working for Christ’s sake only.

This is why Paul prays for us to know the love of Christ, so the Spirit can work. Ephesians 3:19, “and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” As our eyes are on Him, the Spirit makes us godly, joyful, and content beyond our wildest dreams; He works inward and outward transformation.

Do not look to yourself - how good you are or how strong. Don’t look to what you can provide, not one inch, because without Him we can do nothing. We can’t contribute righteousness or strength. We don’t have any other wisdom. We can only look to Christ, and receive power!

Secondly, remain in Christ’s love. John 15:9

“As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love.”

No matter what happens, believe that He loves you. Believe in hard times and temptations. Believe, when you’ve had a fall. Believe when commandments come and promises, that you can do all things through Christ. Believe when God disappoints you, and you’re hurting all over. Believe when money is low, friends are scarce, and enemies are emboldened. Believe when unbelievers die whom you’ve prayed for. Believe when situations go from bad to worse. Believe when it seems things are falling apart, like your family, your church, or your nation. Trust in Him at all times, O ye people [Ps 62:8]. Colossians 1:11, "May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy." Do not be distracted, as if you’re on your own. Get more grace, because He loves you, and His love is real.

If we abide in His love, then He’ll pick us up more quickly, and we’ll honor Him. Did something painful happen? He loves me, and love brought it my direction. Has He left you an affliction? Love has set this on me, and love will help me to bear it. Believing His love will see us EXPERIENCE His love -that tiny creatures like us, sinners by nature, are loved by a perfect God who bears patiently and wonderfully. If we abide in His love, then we’ll love others.

Thirdly, we’re to love one another. John 15:12

“This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you.”

This is the command, and how sweet and honorable it is. It is right for us to love and to forgive. It is good for us to deal patiently. It is wonderful to behave like Jesus, in our own way, being transformed to His likeness.

The Christian religion is simple: It is faith and love. 1 John 3:23, "Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us." It is believing that Christ loves me, and then loving others; it is treating people how we’ve been treated [Eph 4:32; Col 3:13].

Bless God. Love is the sweetest thing - not only to receive it but to show it - and how wonderful it is to be in a love relationship. If a person can’t love you, then that’s ok. You’re still in fellowship with the Father and the Son. He’s still rewarding you for loving people by pouring His love abundantly upon your heart. Bless God for how sweet love is!