During my morning scripture study today I was reading John 15:1-16.  This is a section where Jesus is teaching his disciples on the perfect law of love.  The verses that stand out to me are verses 5, 7, and 10.  They read:

Verse 5: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”

Verse 7: “If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.”

Verse 10: “If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commndments, and abide in his love”

My first question was “How do I abide in the Savior’s love?” The answer is obviously in verse 10 by keeping His commandments.  Further research into the scriptures led me to some of the commandments that I personally should do to abide in the Savior’s love.  These include: praying, studying scriptures, acknowledging His hnd in all things, recieving counsel from Him, walking as He walked, and keeping His commandments.

Why is it important to abide in Him?  The answer is in verse 7: “…ye shall ask what ye will, and it shll be done unto you…”

This led me back to verse 5 where Jesus states he is the vine and we are the branches.  If we are not connected to Him (abide in Him), we can do nothing.  This scripture reminds me also of Psalms Chapter 1 verse 3.  Here the psalmist compares a man that “delights in the law” i.e. keeps the commandments of God to a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth fruit and prospers.  Compare this also to when Jesus Christ offers the woman at the well “living water” in John Chapter 4.

I am very grateful for the Lord, Jesus Christ.  I know that I can do many things on my own, but when I do that I do not have the strength of the Lord or His Holy Spirit in my life.  I am very grateful and know that when I abide in him and keep His commandments I feel more love for my fellow men and peace in my heart. 

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