He Prunes to Bear More Fruit

Prune: to cut away bad parts for more fruitful growth.

Sounds a little uncomfortable… a little invasive. But oh so necessary.

As I sat with today’s Gospel, I saw this process of pruning in such a different light.

I think when we resist looking at the things that need pruning in our lives; the relationships, the habits, the patterns; there is often something deeper going on.

Somehow, we’ve become convinced that it is safer to live with dead branches than to let the Lord remove them.

We’ve grown so comfortable with the “deadness,” so used to the “old,” that the thought of letting the Lord prune feels scarier than staying as we are.

There have been so many moments in my life where I’ve felt that pull: “I know this is dead. I know this needs to go… but I’m afraid.”

Friends, fear is not of the Lord. Be not afraid.

The only way for there to be new life, real, lasting fruit - in my life and in yours - is to let the Gardener do His job. To give Him permission to cut away the deadness so that He Himself can bring new life.

I could never have imagined the fruit that would come from pruning. The new life Jesus would breathe into my soul.

Jesus desires that same newness for you, too.

So let Him prune.Even when it feels uncomfortable.Even when it feels costly.

Because what He grows in its place will be far more beautiful than what you’re holding onto.