(August 15, 2025) Angeline Selvakumari shares the second part about bearing much fruit for Christ…

Warm greetings to everyone on the occasion of India’s Independence Day here today. We gratefully remember and honour the countless martyrs who selflessly laid down their lives so that we might enjoy the blessings of freedom.

As I reflected on this theme, I was reminded of a far greater freedom— one that Jesus Christ fought to secure for us! Scripture teaches that we were once slaves to sin (Romans 6:20). The apostle Paul poignantly expresses this in Romans 7:24: ‘What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of  death?’

This was not just Paul’s condition— it was the condition of all humanity. We were hopeless, without redemption. But Jesus entered our world, gave His life on Calvary’s and rose from death three days later! Through His death and resurrection, He triumphed over sin, curse, and death! Jesus became the perfect sacrifice, giving us true and eternal freedom. Paul could boldly declare, ‘Death, where is your sting?’ (1Corinthians 15:55, cf Hosea 13:14 and Isaiah 25:8).

Jesus had said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life’ (John 14:6). He also declared ‘You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’ (John 8:32). That truth is Jesus Himself!

Dear Christian readers… now that we have received this glorious freedom, what do we do with it? Jesus answers this in John 15:16: ‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you to go and bear fruit— fruit that will last.’

Yes, Jesus has granted us freedom… however, He also expects us to bear fruit through that freedom. Let’s use our freedom in Jesus to bear lasting fruit for His glory… but note that this requires abiding in Jesus. Abiding is meno (μένω), primarily meaning to remain, stay, dwell, continue.

1. Abiding Productively!
The only way we can truly bear fruit is by abiding in Jesus who taught: ‘He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5).

This clearly includes the call to a fruitful life. When we abide in Him, we become fruitful! The diagram below represented as a pyramid illustrates the progression from connection to fruitfulness.

(a) Connection!
Connection refers to our foundational relationship with Christ. This is not a casual association, but a vital, life-giving attachment. Jesus describes it as remaining or abiding— terms that convey permanence, intimacy, and ongoing dependence.

(b) Nourishment!
Nourishment, the second level, illustrates what flows through this connection. Just as branches receive sap, nutrients, and water from the vine, we receive spiritual resources from Jesus— His wisdom, strength, love, and grace. This nourishment is not automatic; it requires active receptivity on our part.

(c) Abundance!
At the top of this diagram, abundant fruit represents the natural outcome of this connected relationship. The fruit is not the result of our striving or human effort but flows organically from a healthy union with Christ. This fruit includes both character transformation (Galatians 5:22–23) and impactful ministry.

Therefore, to bear fruit productively , we must remain connected to God. But more than just being connected, John 15:5 emphasises our total dependence on the Saviour to produce much (polos… abundant) fruit. Here Jesus didn’t say that without Him ‘You can do some things’ or ‘You’ll be less effective.’ He clearly declared, ‘Apart from me you can do nothing.’ Nothing is oudeis… not a thing, underscoring our complete reliance on His life flowing through us for anything of spiritual value to be produced.

2. Abiding Powerfully
There are four important elements that help us abide strongly and continually in Christ.

(i) Scripture!
Reading scripture— the Holy Bible— is not merely an intellectual exercise… it is spiritual nourishment. The more we read and meditate on God’s word, the more we become like Him.

• Psalm 119:11 encourages ‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.’ God’s word serves as a light, guiding us to correct not only ourselves but also others in love and truth.
• And in Colossians 3:16 Paul encourages us in ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.’
• Meditating on scripture is just as essential as reading it. This must not be random; it should be intentional and systematic. Only then can the word renew our minds and align our hearts with God’s.

(ii) Prayer!
Prayer is a two-way communication with God— not just a list of requests. Too often, we treat it like a shopping list. But true prayer is continuous communion with our Maker— as Paul urged in 1Thessalonians 5:17— ‘Pray without ceasing.’ 

And how can we pray without ceasing? By talking to God throughout the day as well as at home— while driving, walking, cooking, or cleaning, sharing every detail of your life with Him.

(iii) Obedience!
The third element is obedience. In John 15:10, Jesus Christ reveals the link between obedience and abiding in Him.

Obedience is not a burdensome duty or a legalistic requirement. Rather, it is a love-motivated response to God. Jesus pointed out that ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments’ (John 14:15ESV).

(iv) Fellowship!
Hebrews 10:24–25 highlights the importance of meeting together. In recent times, many have grown comfortable with ‘YouTube Churches.’ While online resources can supplement spiritual growth, they should never replace gathering in person. This is a clear command from God.

The Christian community offers accountability, encouragement, and shared wisdom— elements that strengthen our personal walk with Christ.

3. Abiding Perseveringly
When those four essential elements above are consistently present in our lives, we are empowered to perseveringly bear fruit for Jesus.

Jesus didn’t just tell His disciples to ‘bear fruit’; He said to bear fruit that remains— fruit that lasts, that endures the test of time.

This is an image of a Sequoia tree— one of nature’s most powerful symbols of endurance. Some of these giants have stood for over 3,000 years, surviving countless fires, storms, and environmental shifts. They serve as a striking reminder of the importance of perseverance and patience in any form of growth.

True growth— whether physical, intellectual, or relational— is only possible through consistent perseverance. Patience and perseverance are the twin pillars of lasting development producing four stages of growth—

(i) Initial Growth!
New believers often go through a spiritual ‘honeymoon phase,’ marked by noticeable transformation and enthusiasm. Their initial connection with Jesus brings about visible and sincere changes, though these have yet to be tested by time and trials.

(ii) Testing Season!
This is a crucial phase in any journey of growth. After the initial period of flourishing, a season of testing often follows to reveal the depth and strength of that growth. In Matthew 13, when Jesus Christ spoke the parable of the sower, He illustrated how the outcome of growth depended on the type of soil in which the seeds were sown. Some seeds sprouted quickly but withered under persecution or the worries of life.

Similarly, statistics show that many believers fall away during times of hardship. The same pattern is often observed in human relationships— what begins with promise is tested by time, trials, and pressures.

(iii) Faithful Continuation!
This phase represents mature discipleship. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’

This is a time when faithful perseverance is vital. We may feel like giving up; it may seem like a spiritually dry season— but pressing on in faith reveals true spiritual maturity. Our spiritual forefathers modelled this well.

I remember when my father started our church— initially it was just my mother and me alongside him. When my mother went on maternity leave, it was just the two of us. Sunday after Sunday, my father Sam Selva Raj (Photo right) would preach as if he were addressing thousands, always giving an altar call. I was very young, but I would raise my hand and respond to his call every single week!

Days passed, months passed. There was no visible fruit. Yet, my father never gave up. He continued faithfully, seeing with eyes of faith. And, praise God, eventually, the Lord blessed our church! Not only did it grow, but we were also able to establish branches across India and in other countries.

So, I encourage you… keep moving forward. Dare to produce fruit as the Lord has called you and don’t give up. What we sow in faith today will bear fruit in God’s perfect time.

(iv) Lasting Legacy!
God has called us to leave a lasting legacy— just as Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Jael, Esther, the Marys, Peter, Paul and many others did. 

In 2Timothy 2:2, Paul speaks of spiritual multiplication across generations. We serve a God of generations, and He has called us to bear fruit that endures.

Our children and future generations should be able to look up to us. As parents, we are entrusted with the responsibility of leaving behind a godly legacy for them to follow. I am deeply grateful to my grandmothers and my parents, who faithfully led me in the ways of the Lord. I learned much from watching them and listening to their words. Praise God for their enduring legacy.

John 15:16 reminds us that Jesus Christ chose us to go and bear fruit— fruit that will remain. What makes fruit truly lasting is perseverance through all seasons.

4. Abiding Prudently!
All of us desire to grow in the Lord and stand firm in our faith. However, there are real challenges and obstacles that hinder our prudence regarding spiritual growth. 

(a) Busyness!
One of the greatest obstacles is busyness. Despite the abundance of time-saving devices and technology, our lives have become increasingly hectic. Overloaded schedules— filled with work responsibilities, family commitments, and even church activities— often leave little room for spiritual reflection and growth.

We often hear people say, ‘I am busy, too busy.’ Busy! This is a buzz word of the modern world! I once read an interesting acronym, after that I stopped saying the word ‘busy’— ‘Busy is being under Satan’s yoke.’

If our calendars are so full that we no longer have time to spend intimately with God or to enjoy fellowship with fellow believers, then it’s time to prayerfully reexamine our schedules. Jesus Himself often withdrew to quiet places, despite the many demands on His time (Mark 1:35).

I encourage you to prudently take a closer look at your calendar and consider what activities can be removed to make room to abide in Him.

(b)  Distractions!
Statistics reveal that the average person spends 3–4 hours a day on their smartphone alone. And this is just the general population— if we consider the younger generation, they are almost constantly on their devices.

Even when we attempt to read the Bible using a Bibleapp, the frequent interruptions from notifications can severely hinder our focus. We must set intentional and practical boundaries to protect our time with God!

(c) Barriers!
Unconfessed sin creates barriers in our relationship with God. As Isaiah 59:2 warns, ‘Your iniquities have separated you from your God.’ A wise David prayed, ‘Keep your servant also from wilful sins; may they not rule over me’ (Psalm 19:13).

We too must be especially vigilant about wilful sin. Ask the Lord for the strength to recognise it and the grace to overcome it prudently.

(d) Fatigue!
When we spend less time with God, we begin to serve from a place of diminishing spiritual resources. This inevitably leads to spiritual fatigue, frustration, resentment, and burnout. I often observe people who once ran with zeal and strength become exhausted and worn out far too soon.

It is crucial that we maintain a healthy balance. The joy of the Lord must remain our strength. We need to regularly recharge ourselves in His presence, drawing fresh strength and vision.

If any of you are feeling weary today, remember that Jesus’ advice: ‘Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28).

5. Abiding Perpetually
Dear brothers and sisters, we have been meditating on how God has called us to bear fruit— and we know this is only possible by abiding in Him, the true vine. We’ve reflected on how to remain in Him and produce lasting fruit.

Yet, we are also aware of the obstacles. The spirit may be willing, but the flesh is weak! I pray that, as we examine our hearts, the Lord will reveal the areas in which we need to grow, so we may become even more fruitful for His kingdom.

God has given us the precious gift of free will— freedom. The question is: What will we do with it? Let us choose to use it for His glory and produce much fruit as He desires… whatever Jesus calls us to do for Him.

______________________________­­­­_______________

 Pastor Angeline Selvakumari is Honorary Editor–in–Chief Echo of His Call, India’s Spiritual Newspaper, and newly appointed  Head and Chief Functionary of  EOHS offices. In furthering Echo of His Call ministries, established 1969, her father, Dr S Selva Raj broadcasts 5–minute YouTube messages in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu daily, trusting the Lord to provide for the costs. Link: sam@echoofhiscall.org 
______________________________________________