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In The Garden...Pruning



My azaleas have finished blooming and it's time to prune them in preparation for next year's blooms.  I've learned timing and method is important when pruning, and not all plants should be pruned at the same time or in the same way.  For instance, deadheading is considered pruning.  Who knew?!

Pruning is an ongoing part of our life in Christ and plays a major role in our ability to bear fruit.  In John 15, Jesus refers to Himself as the Vine and us as the branches of the Vine.  He also tells us very directly; we will be pruned.  We aren't pruned as punishment.  We're pruned so we will be stronger, more useful, and bear more fruit.

Not one branch on a vine will bring fruit on its own.  The only thing a branch must do is stay connected to the life-giving vine.  The same is true of us and our relationship with Jesus.  We cannot be fruitful apart from Him. 

 One other thing, Jesus is very clear about the pruning process being for all His disciples.  Jesus is also clear about who does the pruning.  It's God the Father and no one else.  He created us and knows us intimately, which is a marvelous thing since timing and technique are important for the ultimate amount of benefit.

 I don't know about you, but I needed to re-member pruning is good.  Pruning is not only for those who are not fruitful.  Pruning makes those who are already bearing fruit even more fruitful.  Wow!  That's a promise in the pain of pruning.  New fruit comes when the LORD removes things like flawed understanding, self-serving habits, and destructive relationships.

“I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Gardener. He lops off every branch that doesn’t produce. And he prunes those branches that bear fruit for even larger crops. He has already tended you by pruning you back for greater strength and usefulness by means of the commands I gave you. Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can’t do a thing...My true disciples produce bountiful harvests. This brings great glory to my Father."
John 15:1-5 & 8 (TLB)

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapes/prune-grape-vine.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapes/grapevine-dripping-water.htm


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