The Vine and the Flowers: Rooted in the Source

There’s something so beautiful about flowers...how they show up in every season of life. We give them for birthdays, anniversaries, and funerals. We hand them over on random Tuesdays just to say “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” or “You matter to me.” Flowers are part of the fabric of life: bright, vibrant, fragrant, and full of delicate beauty. But here’s the thing about flowers that we don’t always talk about...once they’re cut, they’re dying.

When we give or receive flowers, we admire them knowing they’ve been severed from their source. They’ve lost their ability to live and grow. Eventually, petals fall, color fades, and what was once full of life becomes brittle and dry. And that’s exactly what happens to us when we are disconnected from our Source...Jesus Christ.

In John 15, Jesus paints a powerful picture: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:1-2 NIV)

He continues, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4 NIV)

A Scripture from my devotional this morning.. and it got me thinking...

Jesus doesn’t say we might bear fruit if we stay connected to Him-He says it is the only way. Just like flowers need the vine, we need him. The Greek word for “true” used in John 15 is alēthinē which points to something authentic, real, genuine. Jesus is the true vine. The only source of real life, fruitfulness, and purpose.

If we’re not rooted in Him, we may look alive for a while. We may hold ourselves together in a vase of accomplishments or appearance. But eventually, we will wither... Because we were not created to thrive apart from the vine.

Colossians 2:7 says, “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.” This is more than a Sunday morning thing. This is about a daily, moment-by-moment connection with God...our lifeline. When we live rooted in Him, we are free (Romans 8:1-2), content (Philippians 4:11-13), and full (John 10:9-10). And nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

Practice: Reflect on what it looks like to remain rooted in Christ in your everyday life. Where have you tried to bloom apart from the vine? Where is God calling you to reconnect?

Prayer: Father, I don’t want to live cut off from You. I want to abide in Your Son and remain connected to the true vine. Help me not to rely on myself or chase fruit without You. Prune what needs to go, so I can bear what brings You glory. Thank You for loving me, choosing me, and never leaving me. Amen.

Kristen, Unfiltered Xo 💋