SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZEN

Children, remain in him. 

When John urges us to “remain” in Christ, he isn’t telling us to stay put. The Greek word John uses here, ménete, has a broader meaning than just sitting still. It also means to “abide” or “make your abode” with the Lord Jesus. John is telling us to find our home, our place of belonging, with the Lord.

“Home” is not meant to be only a roof over our heads. It is not just the place where we go when the workday is over. Home is also meant to be a place of refuge and rest from our labors. It is meant to be a source of refreshment and restoration for us. It’s a place where we are meant to be fed and nourished—by our conversations and times together as much as by the food on our plates.

This is the kind of home Jesus can become for us: our refuge from the storms of life, our refreshment when we are anxious and feeling worn thin, and our source of inner nourishment when we are feeling empty and weak. But how can Jesus, who is enthroned in heaven, ever become our home while we are here on this earth? Ironically enough, by taking up residence in our hearts.

We can abide in Jesus because he abides in us! You don’t have to go seeking him in heaven because he is with you right now on earth. He dwells in your heart, and he is waiting for you to come and find rest in him. He is waiting to share with you his mercy, which removes guilt and shame. He is waiting to share his compassion for the outcast, his mercy for the sinner, his challenge to the self-righteous, and his embrace of the wounded. He is waiting to teach you with his word and to nourish you with the Bread of Life.

In prayer today, imagine yourself joining Jesus’ disciples as they gathered at table with him. Imagine the feeling of warmth and welcome they knew in his presence. You can experience that same ongoing, intimate connection to Jesus as you come to him in prayer each day. In fact, as you learn to draw close to Jesus in prayer, you’ll find it easier to remain in him throughout the day. And the more you remain in him, the more you’ll “have confidence and not be put to shame,” no matter what happens in your day (1 John 2:28)!

Truly, there’s no place like home.

“Jesus, help me to abide with you today and always.”

1 John 2:22-28
Psalm 98:1-4
John 1:19-28d