“Stay connected to Christ, even in chaos, and your soul will flourish.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 22, 2025
I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relationship is intimate and organic; the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. John 15:5, MSG
During a recent visit to a vineyard, the owner, who has been caring for the vines for over 40 years, described her delight in romancing the vines. By romancing, she describes an intimate act of tenderly caring for and nurturing each branch and vine. When she raises a horizontal support line a few inches, the top of the vine is gently bent over by about an inch, providing shade for the entire vine and reducing the temperature by a degree or two in the process. This dear one’s intentionality in “romancing” her work of art resulted in a beautiful array of vines that, in turn, nurtured branches producing delicious fruit. What a reminder to romance Jesus, our loving Vine.
Picture this: It’s late at night in Jerusalem. The streets are hushed, the stars flicker overhead, and a cool breeze whispers through the olive trees. Inside an upper room, Jesus sits with His closest friends, sharing what He knows are His final hours before the cross. He looks them in the eyes — eyes weary from confusion and fear — and He says something breathtaking: “I’m the Vine, and you’re the branches. If you stick close to me — really close — your life’s going to burst with fruit. But apart from me? You won’t produce a thing.” A reminder to wait on and rest in Him.
Jesus isn’t giving them a gardening lesson; He’s talking about connection. About intimacy. About life flowing from Him into them. Think about how a branch can’t survive on its own. Cut it off, and it shrivels, no matter how hard it tries. But keep it attached to the vine, and it’s alive — vibrant, growing, and blossoming with fruit. That’s what Jesus is saying. “Don’t just know about me. Live joined to me. Let my words sink deep into you. Talk with me. Trust me. Walk in step with my Spirit. That’s how your life will mean something eternal.” He knows life will get hard for them. He knows that fear, sorrow, and uncertainty will come crashing in like waves. So He’s giving them a secret: Stay connected to Me, even in chaos, and your soul will flourish.
And He’s not talking only to those disciples in sandals and robes. He’s talking to you and me, centuries later. When the bills pile up. When relationships fracture. When loneliness echoes in the corners of your heart. When you’re running on empty and questioning your purpose. He leans in close and whispers: “Abide in me. Let me be your source. I’ll fill you with life, love, peace, and joy that no storm can wash away.” Because apart from Him, we’re just branches trying desperately to stay green on our own. But with Him, we become part of something far greater — rooted in divine love, nourished by His presence, and bearing fruit that will outlast time itself. So next time you see a vine twisting around a fence or grapes hanging heavy on a branch, remember this gentle truth from Jesus: “Stay with me. And watch your life overflow.”
What does it look like for you to romance the Lord? One primary way is how you love and serve people. When you love and serve others, you are loving and serving Jesus. It’s concrete acts of love toward people – serving coffee to a frazzled coworker, listening patiently to a lonely neighbor, forgiving someone who hurt you. When you comfort a grieving friend or help a struggling parent, you’re actually loving Jesus Himself. Romancing puts prayer to action: it’s changing diapers for exhausted new parents, bringing meals to sick families, or offering grace to difficult relatives. Every act of service toward others becomes an intimate gesture of love directed toward Christ. As you romance Jesus in others, intimate love becomes divine!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me romance You not just with words, but by loving and serving others. Let my actions reflect devotion, spreading Your grace, kindness, and compassion to everyone I meet. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Who needs you to see Jesus in them so that you can love them like Jesus?
Related Reading
Matthew 25:40; John 13:14-15; Galatians 5:13; 1 John 4:20
Worship Resource
ATG Worship: What a Friend
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