8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. – John 15:8-10
The lifeblood of the vine and branches is love. This eternal quality is to be our calling card and how we recognize God in this world. And perhaps there is not greater carrier of this love than that of relationships. Jesus uses the term “Father” three times in these verses. This idea of parenthood is repeated often throughout Scripture and compliments the analogy of the vine here.
Of course Father is used to illustrate perfect love, but its application goes deeper than this. There is an unbreakable connection between father and child. They walk in step with each other and their traits, both positive and negative, are often exemplified in both parties. For better or worse, you are eternally connected. Many spend their lives attempting to disown the other, but this is merely an act of futility. The sooner we accept our role as child, the sooner we can act as we are called to. There are surely responsibilities as a child, but the pressure rests on the shoulders of the Father. He is the warrior of the family unit as the vine is the sustaining provider to the branches.
Lord, guide me to love as you do. May those around me see you in my actions and words. Teach me to be under your guidance. Give me the desire to be your child alone.
Matt simon blog 