Jesus’ words in John 15:16 proclaim to all genuine Christians, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
Jesus emphasises to His disciples that their calling was not initiated by them, but by Him. He chose them first, underscoring that salvation and service are rooted in God’s gracious choosing. According to Jesus, our relationship with God is entirely based on His initiative, not human choice or merit. God chose us even before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). Our salvation is an act of God’s grace, flowing from His eternal will, in which He graciously and purposefully chooses individuals to belong to Him.
As John later would write, “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). This foundational truth humbles us, dispelling any sense of spiritual pride and reminding us that our relationship with God is a result of His loving choice, not our own merit. Knowing that God has chosen us also brings assurance. If He has initiated our salvation, we can trust that He will sustain it. This gives believers confidence that, despite our weaknesses, His hold on us is secure and eternal.
Beyond salvation, Jesus chose His followers for a purpose: to “go and bring forth fruit”. The “fruit” here includes manifested qualities of the transformed lives of Christians, such as love, joy, patience. Paul lists these qualities in Galatians 5:22-23, as “the fruit of the Spirit”. Even more, “fruit” also includes those who respond to the evangelistic efforts of His followers. When we share the Gospel, and others respond in faith, they become part of the spiritual “fruit” that remains eternally, a testimony to God’s work in the world!
Jesus further encourages His followers by promising that He will provide whatever they ask of the Father in His name. This assurance is given to those who submit to God’s will and are committed to bearing fruit in service to Him. The promise of answered prayer is both a blessing and a reinforcement that God will equip His chosen ones for the mission He has given them. We are not left to our own resources; rather, God supplies all that we need for fruitful ministry, including strength, wisdom, and provision.
As chosen vessels, we are empowered to bear lasting fruit through His Spirit. Each step we take in service, prayer, and obedience brings glory to God, and confirms our calling as His chosen people, equipped to make a lasting impact for His Kingdom.
God’s Word in Hebrews 13:16 encourages all Christians, “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
God calls His people to live lives marked by kindness and generosity, underscoring the importance of selfless acts as a way to reflect His character. Through these acts, we become a living testimony of His goodness. The verse reminds us that the good we do and the love we share are not only beneficial to others, but are also sacrifices that bring joy to God.
The first command, “to do good”, emphasises our duty to reflect God’s kindness practically. Scripture is filled with reminders of God’s goodness, such as in Psalm 145:9, which declares, “The LORD is good to all”. As His children, we are called to mirror this goodness in our own lives. Good deeds pleasing to God include sharing the Gospel with others, praying for those in need, providing practical help to the poor, offering service within the church, and simply showing compassion and patience in our daily interactions. By doing good, we let God’s light shine through us, drawing others to Him.
The second command, “to communicate forget not”, calls believers to a spirit of generous fellowship. The Greek word for “communicate” here is koinonia, which means “fellowship” or “sharing”. This goes beyond merely offering material support; it involves being aware of the needs of others and extending support, encouragement, and love. We are called to a life of intentional sharing, opening our hands to bless those around us, just as Christ gave Himself for us.
The verse also describes these acts as “sacrifices”. True Christian generosity often requires sacrificing our time, energy, and resources. Just as Old Testament sacrifices involved offerings to God, these sacrificial acts of kindness are offerings of our lives, demonstrating our love for Him. Sacrifices involve giving up something valuable to us, and through these acts, we worship God by honouring His care for all people. This perspective transforms our charitable acts from mere duties to expressions of gratitude and worship.
Such acts of charity mirror God’s ultimate act of love and sacrifice in giving His Son for us. When we show generosity, we embody the love He displayed on the cross, making our kindness an extension of His love to the world. In doing so, we honour the sacrifice of Christ and participate in His mission to meet human needs, reflecting God’s compassion and grace.