Abide and Remain: Staying Connected to the Vine

S – Scripture

Traditional:
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:4–5

Trauma-Informed:
Read this slowly. Notice if certain words feel grounding or soothing:
Abide… remain… dwell… with me.

The Greek word translated as “abide” is (menō) — meaning to stay, remain, dwell, or continue. Jesus uses this word to remind us that just like a branch cannot survive apart from its vine, we cannot thrive apart from His presence.

O – Observation

Traditional:
Jesus is speaking to His followers as He prepares them for His departure. He is reminding them that their strength, growth, and fruitfulness come only through connection with Him.

Trauma-Informed:
This passage shows Jesus’ compassion. He knows His disciples will feel lost without Him physically present, and He gently reassures them: You are not alone. Stay with Me, and I will stay with you. He is not shaming or pressuring. He is offering comfort, reminding them (and us) that His presence will remain even when He is unseen.

This reveals God’s character: faithful, present, and unwilling to leave us abandoned.

A – Application

Traditional:
Ask yourself: What should I do or change in my life?

Trauma-Informed:
Ask instead: How is God inviting me into peace today? What small, gentle practice could I try?

I am not alone. God wants more than a quick check-in with me—He longs for a healthy, lasting relationship that encourages and sustains. When I remain connected to Him, fruit grows naturally from that closeness.

Today, I can pause—just for a few minutes—to breathe and whisper thanks: “Jesus, thank You for being my Vine. Keep me close.” Even a small act of remembering helps me rest in His love.

P – Prayer

Traditional:
Pray—confess, thank, intercede, or ask for help.

Trauma-Informed:
Pray in a way that feels safe—whether through words, silence, breath, or stillness.

God, thank You for Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for being the Vine that sustains me. When I feel disconnected, help me return and remain. Remind me that I am never truly alone. It feels good to be held by Your love.

Optional Somatic Practices

Sometimes our bodies need help catching up with our faith. Here are gentle ways to embody this scripture as you reflect:

• Take three slow, grounding breaths before reading.
• Place your hand over your heart or stomach as you notice a word that comforts you.
• Pause between steps to stretch, unclench your jaw, or feel your feet grounded on the floor.
• Light a candle or sip warm tea as a sensory reminder of God’s nearness.

✨ Abiding is not about striving harder—it’s about resting deeper. You are invited to remain, to stay, to dwell in the love of Christ that will not let you go.