How to Abide in Christ and Bear Spiritual Fruit
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
—John 15:4 (ESV)
Have you ever wanted to do big things for God? Have you ever seen mighty women and men of God and longed to be used like them?Does it ever feel like what you do for the Lord doesn’t quite seem like enough?
Friend, let me remind you: our honor is not in what big things we can accomplish or how many people see what we do—our honor is in abiding, always. More than missions, above ministry, with or without titles or accolades—if we abide in and with the Lord, we accomplish what God asks of us.
What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?
To abide in Christ is to remain connected to Him, just as a branch must stay connected to the vine to bear fruit. Archaically, the word “abide” means “to live or dwell.” But there’s another powerful definition: “to accept or act in accordance with a rule.”
In other words: dwell and obey.
Spiritual growth begins with remaining close to Jesus—living with Him and aligning our lives to His Word.
The Power of Time With God
Our time spent with God in His Word is not just a good habit—it’s a response to the very call Jesus makes in John 15. This daily time with the Lord is where the fruit of His presence takes root in our lives.
But fruit doesn’t grow overnight. It takes time, care, and ready soil.
I pray the soil of our hearts will constantly be ready for good fruit to take root.
Obedience: The Overflow of Love
If we spend enough time in His presence and in His Word, our love for His commands will grow. This is not about blind obedience; this is about loving what God delights in and fleeing from what He detests.
May conviction grow in our souls, and may the things of God become more appealing to us than the things of this world.
Biblical Examples of Abiding
Samuel models stillness and attentiveness when he says, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Sam. 3:10)
Habakkuk shows spiritual readiness when he says, “I will take my stand at my watchpost… and look out to see what He will say to me.” (Hab. 2:1)
In both examples, the posture of their hearts is one of intentional intimacy with God—being still, watchful, and ready to respond.
Private Intimacy Before Public Ministry
We cannot expect to be used by God in public ways if we refuse to know Him intimately behind closed doors.
Ministry, service, and influence are all secondary to abiding in Christ. When we seek to know Him more than to do for Him, spiritual fruit naturally flows.
A Prayer for Spiritual Growth and Good Fruit
My hope is that we all thirst and hunger for God’s Word and His companionship—that in precious and unexpected ways, He will reveal His nearness to us.
May it all be good fruit: ripe and abundant, nourishing and lacking nothing.
Meet the Author
Elizabeth Jordan Arias
Elizabeth Jordan Arias is a prodigal daughter who has come back home and is determined to bring as many people to the Feast as she can. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia with her husband of 11 years, Benjamin, and their fluffy and very vocal cat, Guppie.
Elizabeth is passionate about studying scripture, particularly around the themes of hospitality, redemption, and eschatology, and has been in ministry for the past 5 years.
At any given time, she can be found buried in a fantasy book, embroidering or crafting something whimsical, or re-watching The Office for the millionth time.
