Pruned for Fruitfulness

John 15-18

“’I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.’”

John 15:1, 2

Each spring a grape plant sends our many new shoots from the base of its main trunk. These new shoots, called “suckers,” are potential rivals to the main vine for nutrients, despite having no potential to bear fruit. These suckers are removed each spring, and the primary vine is pruned so that the remaining branches receive maximum nutrients and sun for fruit-bearing. In the story of Christ’s disciples, Judas was removed and the remaining disciples were pruned, resulting in an unprecedented spiritual harvest.

Are we willing to be pruned in the hands of the gardener for maximum fruit-bearing?

Will we trust God’s purposes for our lives, even when it is painful and we experience loss?

“Lord Jesus, I choose to remain in you and trust the pruning, for your glory.”