“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you…” John 15:7
How do you know that you’re abiding in Christ? Jesus linked our abiding in Him with His Word abiding in us. The more you engage the Bible with your mind, the more it will guide your thoughts and desires. That’s when proof of abiding in Christ begins to emerge.
Proof in our prayers—“ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you” (v7). Prayer that’s grounded in the Word of God, desires the will of God. In other words, when our desires line up with what the Bible says, so do our prayers. That principle is at the core of how Jesus taught the disciples to pray. “Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed by Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9).
Proof in our affections—“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love” (v9). Think about that! Jesus’ love for us is the same as the Father’s love for Him. So, when we abide in His unconditional and sacrificial love, we can love others the same way.
Proof in our obedience—“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (v10). The love of Jesus not only helps us know we’re accepted, it also helps us accomplish what’s expected. This is not obedience as a slave to a master but as a child to a parent.
Proof in our emotions—“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (v11). Joy isn’t the absence of pain. It’s choosing not to be defeated, regardless of the circumstances we’re facing. Joy is based on spiritual realities; on the assurance and confidence we have in Jesus.
So, is there proof that you’re abiding in Christ? As you learn to abide in Jesus, you’ll naturally manifest His character. You’ll begin to pray like Jesus, love like Jesus, and obey like Jesus. As a result, you’ll experience God-given joy, even on difficult days.