John 15:1-17

1 "I am the true vine; my Father is the gardener.

2 He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. And he trims and cleans every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit.

3 You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you.

4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch cannot produce fruit alone but must remain in the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit alone but must remain in me.

5 "I am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing.

6 If any do not remain in me, they are like a branch that is thrown away and then dies. People pick up dead branches, throw them into the fire, and burn them.

7 If you remain in me and follow my teachings, you can ask anything you want, and it will be given to you.

8 You should produce much fruit and show that you are my followers, which brings glory to my Father.

9 I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in my love.

10 I have obeyed my Father's commands, and I remain in his love. In the same way, if you obey my commands, you will remain in my love.

11 I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.

12 "This is my command: Love each other as I have loved you.

13 The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends.

14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.

15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father.

16 You did not choose me; I chose you. And I gave you this work: to go and produce fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.

17 This is my command: Love each other.