“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

Oneness is defined as the state of being completely united with or a part of someone or something. Prior to Jesus’ pending crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, He gave an encouraging metaphor of being connected to a vine. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

Jesus’ living energy and spiritual reality—would continue to nourish and strengthen the disciples just as the roots and trunk of a grape vine produce the energy that nourishes and sustains its branches while they develop their fruit. Jesus wanted not only the disciples with Him at that time; but every born-again believer to know that, even though we cannot physically see Him, we are just as intricately connected to Him as the branches of a vine are connected to its stem. True believers abide in Him forever… He promises that no one can pluck us out of His hands. Our security in Him is not based on our ability, but His power and presence in us! “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:29

Jesus prayed not only for the disciples to the Father, but for everyone of us…that we maybe one and glorify Him. John 17:2-23 state “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

We are lovingly connected to the True vine by the amazing grace of God; the Holy Spirit develops the fruit of the Spirit within in each of us according to His will and divine timing. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23. When we abide in Him, it will be evident in our walk, talk and love for our risen Savior! We do not all grow and develop at the same time; but in God’s own time we will produce fruit of righteousness and are mete for His use. To God be the glory…He abides within, we are never alone!

Let us rest in the loving knowledge that God is nourishing and growing us every day that we live. What a marvelous feeling it is to recognize when He gives us the victory even in the smallest instances. There is never any doubt of the true source of every victory; great or small . . . to God belongs all the glory.

God’s sweet peace and love abide in you always!