Devotion 
What kind of fruit would you be?
David Jacobs 

If you have ever had a garden or farm, you may understand how rewarding and at times frustrating the relationship with plants can be. Small changes in the weather, pests, and our own mistakes can alter the bearings of the crop immensely. Considering these verses, how have you cultivated your own crop? Speaking from my own experiences, I would say that at times I have been ripe, strong, and able to withstand potential dangers that were thrown at me by nature. At my weaker times, I have been withered, bitter, and susceptible to any pest or disease that came my way.

What may be more important to consider from these verses is the symbiotic relationship that Jesus mentions. He is the vine and we are the branches, meaning that he benefits from us doing well. We are all stronger or weaker together. If we trust in him and glorify God, we will bear fruit and our branches will sprout new branches. Love will be paid forward; God and his son loved us, we love them, and we will continue to spread this love to others in contact with us.

In all of nature we can recognize the symbiotic relationship between all living things. This relationship extends to God and us. It is this that John describes, serving to highlight that both parties need each other. Think about your relationship with Christ: what kind of fruit would you bear?

Prayer 

My Lord in Heaven, you have nurtured and nourished me through all of my life. You have sent your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to tend your fields of believers, although we have at times wasted his care. I humbly ask that you strengthen my relationship with you, O Lord, so that I may strengthen others relationships with you as well. I ask all of this in your holy name. Amen.