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NASB | John 15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 15:4 "Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. |
Bible Question: How can we understand in simple words about the christian fruits? I'm trying to do my best, but I'm not sure if I'm really doing right. But still is very subjective for me. |
Bible Answer: Greetings! A good motto to remember is : "Let go and Let God!" - you can never "do it right" on your own! Aixen wrote something that I'd encourage you to think about. He posted, "These are not by our own efforts, however. It is still God who works in us, both to will and to do them. And he has a way of using us to help each other to bear fruit." Notice that this is consistent with what Jesus tells us in John 15:5 - "apart from Me, you can do nothing." Unless it is God DOING the work through us, the "good" things that we do merely by self effort have no eternal value. See also I Cor 3:5-7;10-15) There are believers who are totally ignorant of this important truth. Many go about their "ministry" devoid of the power of God because what they are "doing for Him" is self reliant rather than God dependent. These "good things" are no fruit at all! Fruit comes only FROM and being IN the Vine. When asked to serve in some way, if it's something you think YOU can do for God, I'd suggest that it's YOU doing the work and NOT God. This is performance Christianity! But, when what you are asked to do is beyond your natural "ability" or out of your "comfort zone" I'd suggest that THIS is a pretty clear indication of where God wants you to be - for in this place, you MUST depend upon Him! Scary? Yes, but full of blessings as you become His instrument! Blessings, mommapbs PS: God always uses what He gives you! What qualitites has He given to you to serve Him with? There might be some talents or gifts that you are even unaware of! A way to discover them is to just experiment in different areas of service - especially those that may present a real challenge. I suspect that when you find yourself lovng God through what you are doing, you will have found where He desires to bless you. |