Abide in Christ

One year ago, I had the word “abide” tattooed on my arm as a reminder of my life verse, John 15:5, which reads:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” 

This verse has been close to my heart for nearly my entire Christian walk. I felt that something so meaningful deserved both an explanation of what God has taught me through it and a reflection on the daily reminder it offers.

I have always been a visual learner, so imagery in the Bible is a favorite of mine. I love when Jesus gives practical examples of who He is and our relationship with him. This is what first drew me to John 15:5. The picture of a vine and its branches being Christ and His church is such a beautiful picture. There are many ways Jesus uses this description in the bible, but in this specific verse he is speaking on the branches need for a vine. In the same way a branch is dependent on a vine for sustenance and life, we as Christians are dependent on Christ for our every need. 

We understand that Jesus is the source of our sustenance, but how do we apply this? Jesus answers this question as the verse continues “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit,” 

To abide in Christ means to maintain a dependent relationship with Jesus. Practically, this can be lived out in a few key ways:

1. Reading and Meditating on God’s Word

Reading God's word is how we know who God is. It tells us of His character, promises, will and grace. Scripture exposes our sin and reveals our need for Him through faith in his Son. If our aim is to glorify God, we should desire to resist sin. God’s word guides the righteous on the narrow path. His word provides wisdom and insight that allows us to abide in him.

Proverbs 4:21-22 says, 

"Do not let them (God's words) depart from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh," 

The word of the Lord is life to the believer. Reading his Word breathes life into us by reminding us of our hope and confidence in Christ and his promises. We must study it and tuck it away in our heart. This is the first step to learning how to abide in Christ.

2. Regular Prayer

Prayer is our line of communication with the Father. In the same way we must study his word to know who he is, we must talk to him through prayer to develop a relationship. Without communication we have no relationship. The Lord is our greatest friend and always ready to hear from us!

3. Gathering with Believers

We’ve all heard the saying, “You are who you surround yourself with.” Although it is often used as a cliche, it is relevant and true especially as believers. It is essential for growth in our relationship with Christ to surround ourselves with people who have the same aim as us. That aim being to glorify Christ by abiding in him. 

Jesus himself displays such a way of life. While he was a friend to all, he traveled and spent the majority of his time with his 12 disciples. Additionally, among those twelve was his inner circle of Peter, James, and John. These were his most trusted friends that he spoke to on a more personal level. 

By surrounding ourselves with people who strive to be more like Jesus, we are encouraged to abide in Christ. And naturally, we are like who we are surrounded by. 

4. Surrender

While I love the entirety of John 15:5, the part that never fails to strike me is the last phrase. 

“for apart from me you can do nothing.” 

This statement should immediately leave us humbled. Our greatest need is the Lord. His love is the only thing that will satisfy us. If we should aim to do anything of value in this life it should be to glorify our Savior. Without him we can do nothing. 

Getting “abide” tattooed on me isn’t to look trendy or feel more godly—it’s a declaration and daily reminder (to myself) of my dependence on God. John 15:5 continues to shape how I live and grow as a follower of Christ. Choosing to abide in Christ is not a one-time decision, but rather a daily heart posture. Through reading His Word, spending time in prayer, gathering with other believers, and continually surrendering to His will, we remain in the vine—and through that connection, we bear fruit that brings Him glory.