John 15:1-17

John 15:1 "I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.

2 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.

3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.

4 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.



  5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.

Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.

     For apart from me you can do nothing.

6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.

     Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.

7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.

     This brings great glory to my Father.



  9 "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me.

         Remain in my love.

10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love.

11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.

     Yes, your joy will overflow!

12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.

14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

     15 I no longer call 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.

16 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.

17 This is my command: Love each other.