In John 15 Jesus uses the picture of a vine and branch to describe what it means to be in a relationship with Him. Christianity is about a personal relationship not about doing a checklist of things and not being a bad person. In John 15 Jesus is stressing the importance of this relationship using this picture we see in nature everyday.
A good gardener cares for their plants. If a person is going to put in the work to plow, plant, wait, and then harvest a crop then they certainly want to do the small things that will help the crop reach its fullest potential. For a gardener that smaller thing that they do is called pruning.
The pruning of the plants is to cut away dead or bad pieces that are robbing the plant from using all of its sap for the potential crop. A vine can waste precious energy feeding parts of the vine that are no use. These bad parts of the vine use up valuable energy so they must be cut off for the good of the vine. Pruning is typically very precise and focused.
Let’s read John 15 and see what this passage says about pruning.
John 15:1-11 ESV - “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. [2] Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. [3] Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. [7] If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. [8] By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. [9] As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. [10]If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. [11] These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
In verse 2 we see that the purpose of pruning is to bear more fruit, to cut away the bad part of the vine and focus the life giving energy on producing fruit. Jesus is using this example to teach us spiritual principle. There are things in our life that are robbing us from reaching our fullest potential. The purpose of pruning is to improve the overall life of the plant, however the process of pruning (cutting) might be painful at the times. There is sin in our life that needs to be cut out because it is keeping us from reaching our fullest potential. Sometimes this sin is easy to cut out but sometimes this sin runs deep and the pain of pruning can be great. Keep in mind that the pruning is for your good.
I am not sure what sin you may have in your life (maybe it is jealousy, envy, hate, self-righteousness, or lust), but rest assured that it is keeping you from reaching your fullest potential. The Lord wants what is best for you and sometimes that requires a little pruning or maybe even a lot pruning.
Hebrews 12:6 ESV - [6] For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."
The pruning / discipline process is an act of love. Godly discipline is very loving and is for our good.
If you are not being pruned and you have sin in your life then this should be a major red flag to you. God disciplines those that are His and if you are not being pruned or disciplined then you may not be His. If you are being pruned, be thankful because this proves that you are His.
Yesterday I asked you to pray that God would reveal any sin in your life. Today I want to pray and repent of that sin. Repentance means to turn around. Pray that God helps you walk away from that sin once and for all. Do not lose heart if you fail occasionally, continue to repent, pray and ask God for help. Memorize scripture and quote it when you feel tempted and pray and ask the Lord for help.
Pray and ask God to prune you. Ask God to remove anything that is standing in the way of you reaching your fullest potential. Ask God to help you in your weakness because you know this sin will be hard to give up. Cutting always causes pain but it is for our good. Trust in the goodness and tenderness of the gardener, He loves you more than you know.
