Love for Jesus and His Church
In John 15:1-17, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the basis of Christian living: believers must remain connected to Him, the true vine, to bear spiritual fruit, while the Father, the vinedresser, prunes away anything that hinders growth. True believers obey His commands, live in His love, and exemplify sacrificial love toward others, following Christ’s example. This abiding relationship with Jesus is the source of joy, spiritual growth, and fruitfulness. Christians are called to commit to Christ, form loving communities, show compassion by sharing the gospel, be devoted to the Church, and live in covenant love with God and one another, reflecting His priorities and glory in their lives.