Former President Jimmy Carter tells the story of a Cuban pastor he came to know. The man had developed a ministry with poor immigrants from Puerto Rico. When Mr. Carter asked him to account for the success of his ministry, the pastor answered, "Senor Jimmy, we only need to have two loves in our lives: for God and for the person who happens to be in front of us at any time."

          Jesus, the vine, assures us, the branches, that we are not alone in this journey. This is not a mere statement from a grape grower; it is the word of God spoken by Jesus Himself! Our Lord's words are clear and comforting: I am with you, and you are with me. Jesus also warns: whoever is not with me will wither and die and be thrown into the fire.

          Being with Jesus is about loving Him and trusting in His absolute love for us. If this seems overwhelming, remember that the Holy Spirit is always there to assist us. When we love God and believe in His love for us, we are ready to love the person in front of us. This is when the miracle of bearing the sweet fruit of the kingdom of God begins.

          We do not need to be anything or anyone other than what and who we are. Brilliance, wealth, eloquence, beauty, position, or power are of no significance in bearing fruit. We need only the willingness to have two loves in our lives: love for God and love for the person who happens to be in front of us at any time.

          And how do we do that? Abide in Jesus. Abide in His Word. Ask the Spirit of God for help.

‍