John 15:3-4 says, “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” Probably close to or in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus continued talking about “the vine,” a metaphor of himself. He repeats what he said at the dinner that they were “already clean” (13:10) because they believed his word. Now he says to “abide in me” so they will bear fruit. Being saved/cleaned is no automatic guarantee of fruitfulness. It only comes when we intentionally choose to remain “in the vine” and tap into the nourishment of his character and glory. Relationship doesn’t get any closer, tighter or better than remaining in him. Let’s make it our lifelong aim every day to intentionally remain in him.