“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. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you... As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
John 15:5-7,9NIV
Today my attention was drawn to the message of the "Abide in the Vine" metaphor. I began thinking about how abiding is a choice that we make; each day and each moment.
When I choose to not worry about something, I abide in Him. When I choose to love and forgive, I abide in him. When I choose to believe that I have all I need, and always will have all I need, I abide in Him. I'm attached to His flow of peace, strength, faith, etc.
When I choose to worry, to not forgive, to want (covet), or when I am fearful, then it's as if I have chosen to stop abiding in Him. I'm still His child, but now I am removed from peace, truth and life because of what I have chosen to believe.
In being removed I begin to feel the heat, the fires of anxiety, worry, or unforgiveness. In my mind and soul I begin experiencing inner torment, due to being deceived and choosing these unhealthy mental pathways. I am still a vine branch, but my beliefs either keep me attached to the flow of love, peace, faith and hope; or my beliefs, and choices, break me off from the vine. Creating inner turmoil and unrest, like being thrown into a fire.
Interestingly there are other similar parables that discuss fires, or torment. One warns about "being in danger of the fires of gehenna, or hell", due to holding a grudge, anger or hatred against someone (Matt. 5). In (Matt. 18) a parable shows someone who chose to not forgive. Due to not choosing mercy and forgiveness this character was "handed over to be tormented".
It seems that these, and many other parables, teach that our daily thoughts & choices determine our daily, internal, emotional forecast. Choosing love, forgiveness, to trust and have and faith creates internal peace, joy and goodness. While choosing fear, worry, anger or unforgiveness creates internal turmoil, torment & hell.
Despite our circumstances let's choose to abide; abide in God - who is Love. Abide simply means to stay. Stay. Stay in Love.
Choose trust, choose faith, choose love, choose forgiveness. Choose to abide. You'll know you are abiding when you sense, and see the fruits of love, peace, joy, and the like.
If we find certain areas of our minds and souls are troubled, or tormented; by fires of anxiety, fear, unforgiveness or anger, we can easily change it. Recognize where you were tricked, deceived, and choose differently. Get up out of the fire and torment. Choose to abide, and stay in the vine of Love, Faith and Hope.
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