What It Takes to Thrive
Pruning Is Exactly What We Need to Keep Producing Fruit.
John 15:2 KJV
[2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
In both gardening and spiritual terms, planting and harvesting are exciting seasons.
Planting is the start of an adventure, and harvesting is the product of hard work.
It’s easy to celebrate new beginnings and hard-earned completions—but one thing that’s not as much fun?
The pruning process!
What It Takes to Thrive
Who wants to acknowledge what’s dead and unproductive in their lives?
And Who wants to trim back what’s already blooming, —leaving you smaller, awkward, and feeling extra weak?
But pruning is exactly what we need to keep producing fruit.
“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
Jesus mentions two separate actions in this process—cutting off what’s dead and pruning fruit.
Cutting out what’s dead makes sense.
It’s extra weight, it’s unproductive, it’s blocking sunlight, and it’s stealing good energy from branches that could thrive.
But without proper context, pruning fruit feels backwards.
However, the purpose of pruning isn’t to disable something, but to revitalize it.
If a branch is weak or diseased, it could not only damage itself, but the surrounding trees as well.
Without pruning, both the tree and the life surrounding it can never reach full potential.
What It Takes to Thrive
Pruning creates room for more growth.
And Pruning stimulates production.
Also, Pruning keeps the plant or person strong.
God is a good Gardener.
He wouldn’t be a good Gardener if He left you to yourself—overgrown, ineffective, and full of dysfunction.
But He cares for those He loves. He cuts off what’s dead for your benefit.
And He lovingly trims back ineffective things in your life to make way for more fruit.
You can trust God with your life because He cares about who you are and who you can become.
So, what “dead branches” are you dragging around?
Is it possible that God is pruning you for future growth?
Take a few moments and talk to God about any areas in your life that you recognize need to change.
What It Takes to Thrive
Let Us Pray
God, You know everything about me.
You know the areas of my life that have potential but are being held back by broken habits and belief systems.
Please bring clarity and healing to my life by cutting away anything that is cluttering or destroying my heart and mind.
Transform me so that way I continue to bear healthy fruit.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Also Read: The Fruit of Kindness – Diademng (thediademng.org)
What It Takes to Thrive
The purpose of pruning isn’t to disable something, but to revitalize it. Is it possible that God is pruning you for future growth?
