John 15:3-13

3 Right now, because of the word which I have spoken to you, you are pruned.

4 Stay united with me, as I will with you -- for just as the branch can't put forth fruit by itself apart from the vine, so you can't bear fruit apart from me.

5 "I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who stay united with me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from me you can't do a thing.

6 Unless a person remains united with me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up. Such branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, where they are burned up.

7 "If you remain united with me, and my words with you, then ask whatever you want, and it will happen for you.

8 This is how my Father is glorified -- in your bearing much fruit; this is how you will prove to be my talmidim.

9 "Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love.

10 If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love -- just as I have kept my Father's commands and stay in his love.

11 I have said this to you so that my joy may be in you, and your joy be complete.

12 "This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you.

13 No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends.