Apart from me you can do Nothing

As I have written before, I took a Bible study last year on the book of John.  Jesus gave the disciples a new command before his crucifixion.  He instructed his disciples to "Love each other as I have loved you."  I have been using the study guide by Cynthia Heald, Becoming a Woman Who Loves, to learn more about this new command Jesus gave to his disciples.  I feel terribly inadequate to attempt this command.  I am selfish with my time, I don't like to be interrupted and I like to have my way--all qualities that get in the way of loving like Jesus. 

Heald points to John 15:5 as a key to loving like Jesus loved.  John 15:5 states: I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.   Those lasts few words  "apart from me you can do nothing" struck a cord with me.  Jesus didn't mince words.  It is as if He is showing me that I have been trying to love according to my abilities rather than calling on Him.   Jesus also tells us that if we remain in him, we will bear much fruit.  Remaining in Him, means I must study His word and pray for guidance.