Jesus commands us to produce and the key to producing fruit is to "remain" in Jesus. He promises to "remain" in us if we "remain" in him. When he remains in us through the Holy Spirit we will produce fruit naturally because we are connected to the vine and we are healthy. However, we have a choice to remain or leave but if we choose to leave God, where else are we going to go? And the consequences of leaving God would be brutal! "Remain" in Jesus, produce fruit, and share Jesus with others! Even though hard times come, they don't last and eternity with Jesus will be worth it all!