Abide

Jesus calls us to abide in Him and His word (I John 2:28, John 8:31, John 15:4).  We are to abide in His love (John 15:9).

We are told in I John 4:13 that "we know that we abide in Him and He in us because He has given us of His Spirit."  Verses 15-16 go on to say "whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God . . . God is love and whoever abides in love abides in God and God abides in him.

What does it mean to abide in God and His love?  The dictionary definition of abide is 'to await; to submit to; to live up to; to submit and to carry out'.  Abide is a verb.  It requires action on our parts.  I believe abiding incorporates seeking out God--His character and nature as well as His will.  Abiding is to carry out the very being of Christ who dwells in us. 

This Christmas season, make it intentional to abide in Christ.  Determine in your heart that your deeds, actions, and attitudes will submit to His character and nature.