I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. John 15:1-2 NLT
In our human reactions and reasoning we can easily assume that every difficult and painful thing that enters our lives must be punishment. But God’s pruning as the faithful and loving gardener is never that. God’s pruning is a loving, intentional process, not a punishment. It is always for our best. It is aimed at removing the less than the best so that our spiritual vitality can increase.
Pruning is purposeful pain. Last year I hired a tree company to take a dead branch off my favorite tree in front of my house. I carefully pointed out the branch, and then he said, “I see a few others. Would you like me to work on it a bit for the same price and get your tree in really good shape?” I trusted him and said it would be all right, but I honestly wondered what he was talking about. The tree looked gorgeous to me except for that one branch. I watched him through the front window as he began to work. In about 20 minutes I couldn’t take it any longer. He was cutting off GOOD branches! I went out and told him I was afraid he was ruining my tree. I didn’t want it smaller – I just wanted it to be healthy and beautiful. With a patient smile he assured me that was what was happening. There were good but unnecessary branches that were hindering the growth of the overall tree and twisting it into a shape I wouldn’t like. He said by the time the tree was in full bloom again, I would understand. He was right. I didn’t see it initially, but it was for the good. Pruning feels like cutting and can be painful, but it is necessary for growth, ensuring we produce more "fruit" for the Kingdom. Pruning’s goal is dependence, not destruction: The goal is to make us less reliant on ourselves and more reliant on Jesus, the True Vine. He knows that we cannot manage life well on our own, regardless of how many gifts and talents we think we have. Pruning helps us realize the source of our strength. Pruning is aimed at removing things that are not helpful. God works to remove spiritual dead weight, distractions, and sin so believers can bear more fruit. He cuts away unhealthy habits, attitudes, or attachments to increase our spiritual vitality. God removes not just obvious sins, but also good things that take up too much time or energy, hindering us from being our best for Him.
- If you are conscious of God’s pruning process today, congratulations! Pruning is the mark of a true branch. God sees great purpose and future in you. Where is God doing some pruning in this season? Ask Him to help you trust Him, and take your hands off the shears. 😊