Abide

We cannot become more loving by trying to love others
We cannot become more forgiving through our own efforts to forgive
We cannot become wiser by reading books on wisdom
In the eyes of the world, growth is a product of our own effort
But in the kingdom of God, growth comes effortlessly
A grape does not become sweeter by trying to be sweet
It does not take on a deeper color through its own strength
The grape grows in sweetness and color by abiding in the branch
The branch produces fruit by abiding in the vine

It is only through the effortless act of abiding in the True Vine and allowing His life to flow through us that love, compassion, forgiveness, and wisdom are developed in us.
Abide in Him