John 15:2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

The process of making fruit is very intensive. It has to be pollinated, then there is fertilization, then growth of the fruit and finally the ripening. This takes time but the result is tasty and life sustaining. Think of all the fruit that is produced to feed the world. The whole process from beginning to end is amazing.

Think of spiritual fruit and how it is conceived. It starts with the vine which is Jesus. The branches that the fruit grows on is the saved person. In order to have fruit, the branch must be attached firmly to the vine. If it is not then it is cut off by the Gardener. The Gardener is God the Father. This being cut off could mean numerous things but there is loss involved. He does this because a branch that does not produce is just taking up valuable nutrients for no reason.

But even when fruit is being made the branch is pruned. Why? Because there are weak spots and disease which causes the branch not to be as effective as it could be. Sin in our lives is that disease. God will always take steps to free us from the grip of sin. It can be painful but the end result is more fruit. This process, like the natural process of making fruit, is amazing. Isn’t it wonderful that God wants this for us? He does not want us to be stagnant. So if you feel the pruning, know it is for our good.