“I am the true grapevine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of Mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and puurified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.” (vv. 1-4, NLT)
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love. When you obey My commandments, you remain in My love, just I obey My Father’s commandments and remain in My love. I have told you these things, so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is My commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay done one’s life for one’s friends. You are My friend if you do what I command, I no longer cal you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are My friends , since I have told you everything the Father told Me. You didn’t choose Me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using My name. This is My command: Love one another.” (vv. 9-17, NLT)