We’ve spent nine weeks talking about fruit. Patience. Goodness. Joy. Faithfulness. Kindness. Self-control. Peace. Gentleness, and finally, love. As we finish this journey, we need to remember something important: The branch produces fruit by remaining connected to the Vine.? He said: “Abide in Me.” Remain, stay connected, make your home in Me, because fruit is the result of relationship.

That’s what Living Under the Influence has been about from the beginning. This wasn’t nine weeks of, “Try to be more patient, or have more joy, control yourself.” No, it?s stay connected to the Vine. When we remain in Christ, His Spirit works in us. His character forms in us and His fruit grows through us. Then Jesus takes it one step further: “Abide in My love, and eventually, what’s happening inside becomes visible outside.

In John 13, Jesus said, “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” Notice that Jesus is that it?s His love that is the standard. That’s a completely different standard because Jesus loved first. And then He says something remarkable: “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” Prove it! How will your family or coworkers know Jesus is changing you? Love. How will your neighbors know? How will your world know? Love.

Fruit is something other people get to experience, and that’s why all of this matters.

When we’re patient with someone who frustrates us, or we act in kindness toward someone who was maybe rude to us, they experience something of Jesus from us. When love chooses to stay, serve, forgive, or give, they experience something of Jesus. Fruit reveals influence and love reveals Jesus. So don’t finish this series trying harder, instead finish it remaining closer. Stay connected to the Vine, remain in His love and let somebody taste the fruit.