God’s eternal life is growing in His people.
In John 17:2–3, Jesus describes eternal life as knowing the Father and Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent. When we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we receive God’s life as a gift. That life begins now. As we come to know Him, His life takes root in the way we live, pray, make decisions, and care for one another.
“The first gift He gave us to accomplish this ONEness is eternal life.”
— Henry Hon, One Ekklesia, “The Three Gifts for the One Body”
01 / GROW
Life.
How life grows in us
Jesus gives us a picture of this growth in John 15. A branch bears fruit because it draws life from the vine. In the same way, we grow as we abide in Christ. We bring Him what is happening in our lives, listen to Him in Scripture, and trust Him with the next step.
Sometimes the fruit is easier for someone else to see. A friend notices that you listen more patiently. A family member hears you apologize sooner. You find yourself praying for someone whose needs you used to overlook. These are ordinary ways the life of Christ becomes visible.
We grow together
Other believers are branches of the same Vine. Because we draw life from Christ together, what one person receives can strengthen someone else. A friend can pray with us when we have few words of our own. Someone further along in faith can help us recognize what God is doing in a difficult season. In time, we can offer that same care to someone else.
Begin here. Read John 17:1–5 slowly. Ask Jesus to help you know the Father more deeply in one part of your life this week. Share that prayer with someone.