IT was the children’s bedtime, and Mr. Green got down his large Bible to read a portion to them before they retired for the night. He brought his family up to love and honor the word of God which is able to make wise unto salvation. John, Harry and Mary each read a verse, then their parents read a verse. Then in simple language their father explained the meaning of the verses about the vine and the branches.
“Now, dear children,” he said, “you all know whom it means by the vine. It is Jesus, and all who trust in Him and are living in Him, are the branches growing out of the vine, just as the branches grow out of the grape vine in the garden. As those branches receive all their life and nourishment from the vine, so we receive all our spiritual growth and life from Christ who says, ‘He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.’ Of course, little children, this is not grapes, but the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Each little word of kindness, or deed of love we do for Him is a seed dropped, which shall bring forth fruit to His praise and glory. Those who do not bear fruit for Him, He says He will cut down and have burned in the fire.”
This Mr. Green said in a very solemn voice, and each of the children felt afraid lest it should be said of them that they served Satan instead of bearing fruit for the Lord.
However, they were much encouraged by his concluding remarks, urging them first to trust in Christ, and then however feeble their efforts for Him, they would not be in vain, for fruit would come to them even after many days.
ML 04/15/1917