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 15:2 (NIV)
Here, Jesus, in comparing Himself to a vine, speaks of the necessity
of staying connected to Him. And in maintaining this vital connection there are
certain elements of our lives that must be cut off, so do not be afraid to be
pruned by God.
We suffer God's pruning so that we could get rid of all the
unnecessary things in our lives. Every superfluous twig, those things and
people that sap our energy, stunt our spiritual growth and are of no value, are
cut off completely.
Yes, you will suffer for a
short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He will make you
strong. He will support you and keep you from falling. He is the God who gives
all grace. He chose you to share in his glory in Christ. That glory will
continue forever. – 1 Peter 5:10 (ERV)
God’s pruning removes anything that He sees as useless or a
hindrance in our lives.
God's pruning refreshes us, revives us and renews us.
God's pruning causes us to stay fresh and green and still
bear fruit in old age (Psalm 92:14).
Isaiah 5:6 lets us know that a lack of pruning results in
desolation. So, we need to endure God’s pruning.
God desires us to produce an abundance of good fruit, fruit
that will be of benefit to us and to others, so He prunes us to encourage new
life and spiritual growth.
For the time being no
discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards
it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by
it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness—in conformity to God’s
will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right
standing with God]. – Hebrews 12:11 (AMPC)
Beloved, pruning is a painful but necessary re-shaping of
you, both inside and out, so that you become His new creation.
Amen †
Shelley Johnson “God’s Pruning” ©2014 revisited November 23,
2025
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