Devotional

Have you ever tried to charge your phone with an unplugged charger? It's a futile exercise. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives. Jesus makes this abundantly clear in John 15:5 when He says, "Without me you can do nothing." This statement might seem harsh at first glance, but it's actually liberating. Jesus isn't saying we can't accomplish anything in our own strength—we certainly can achieve worldly success without Him. What He's saying is that we cannot produce anything of eternal value—true spiritual fruit—apart from Him. When we try to manufacture love, joy, peace, and other spiritual qualities through our own efforts, we end up with pale imitations. Real spiritual fruit isn't produced through human determination; it's the natural result of divine connection. The beautiful truth is that when we stay connected to Jesus, fruit happens naturally. Just as an apple tree doesn't strain to produce apples, we don't need to strain to produce spiritual fruit. Our job is simply to abide—to remain connected to the source of life.

Bible Verse

"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." - John 15:5

 

Reflection Question

In what ways have you been trying to produce spiritual fruit through your own efforts rather than allowing it to grow naturally from your connection with Christ?

 

Quote 'Without me you can do nothing.'

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I've tried to produce fruit in my own strength. Thank You for the reminder that my only responsibility is to stay connected to Jesus. Help me to abide in Him today and trust that You will produce fruit through me as I remain in that connection. Amen.