Reading time: 3 minutes
Key Verse
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
(John 15:5)
Gathering as the Church is a necessity (Hebrews 10:24–26)
The Christian life cannot be lived in isolation. The writer of Hebrews reminds us not to neglect meeting together, because in community we are encouraged, corrected, and strengthened in the faith. Congregating is not an option, it is a spiritual necessity in order to grow and persevere.
Grafted in Christ, grafted into His body (John 15:5; Romans 14:17)
Christ is the true vine, and we are the branches. Being grafted into Him means receiving life, nourishment, and spiritual direction. At the same time, being in Christ unites us to His body—the Church. We cannot claim to be united to Jesus without also being united to His people. The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Remaining together to bear fruit
The fruit of the Spirit does not grow in isolation, but in relationship with others. Loving, forgiving, serving, building up, and testifying are fruits that grow when we remain together. Remaining in Christ and in fellowship with one another is the key to a fruitful life.
The Church: one body with many members, a divine design (1 Corinthians 12:22)
The Church is a body with diverse members. Each one has a place and a function to fulfill. Those who seem weaker are necessary, because in God’s design there are no spare members. We are all part of a greater plan, grafted into Christ to bear fruit in unity.
Conclusion
God has called us to be grafted into Christ and into His Church. Apart from Him we cannot bear fruit, and apart from His body our spiritual life is weakened. Remaining together, in unity and love, is the way we glorify the Father and show the world that we are true disciples of Jesus.
Reflection Question:
Am I remaining grafted in Christ and committed to His body, the Church, in order to bear abundant fruit?
Sincerely,
Pastor Guillermo Ayala