Every branch of mine that bears no fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:5
Gardening is one of my simple pleasures. The plants, shrubs, and trees in my yard reward our collective and my unskilled efforts. I rely on help from the family and a monthly guide for my geographical region written by horticultural experts. My principal dilemma is when and how best to prune the shrubs and trees. Dead branches and wayward limbs and shoots that weaken the energy of the plant and retard its growth must be removed. When pruning is properly done at the right time, the plants produce healthier blossoms and fruit. I am rewarded by a beautiful thriving garden.
As Christians, our branches are in the True Vine, Jesus Christ. Could anything be more needful to us as part of the body of Christ than pruning by the Master Gardener? For a season, trials and suffering serve to perfect us. We read in Romans 5: 2-5:
…we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.
As God prunes away the useless and the sinful things that draw our focus and strength away from Him, the fruits of the Holy Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) – sprout forth and grow. Beautiful fruit indeed. Renewed fellowship and joy awaits as well.
Thanks so much for visiting Write Moments with God today. I appreciate you.
