Pruning isn't a punishment.

A few weeks ago I met Melinda. Melinda is a mom through adoption who has suffered some tremendous losses recently. By the time I was talking to her, she was at the end of her rope- the end of herself- and she needed help securing what she called "a terrible little apartment" for her and her boys. She never thought she'd be in that possition. When her husband abandoned them, she'd been a stay at home mom, homeschooling her special needs children. When she went to work, she was barely making enough to cover the special care her kids needed during the day, let alone groceries, rent, utilities... and forget about all the luxuries like Netflix and air conditioning. Melinda expressed feeling like in some ways she had lost everything, but with joy in her voice she explained how in other ways she had gained so much. God has been speaking to her clearly and she is learning to rely on God in new ways.

“I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit]." ~John 15:1-2

Here are some things I've learned about pruning.

• Pruning increases fruit size and quality:

  Cutting back let's the tree to focus its energy on producing larger, more colorful and flavorful fruits.  (sometimes taking away distractions helps us zero in on what's really important)

• Pruning encourages new growth:

  Pruning stimulates the tree to produce new branches leading to a larger harvest.  (sometimes we need set aside old habits and ways so there's room for new ones.)

• Pruning improves air circulation and sunlight penetration:

  Removing crowded branches allows for better airflow and sunlight to reach all parts of the tree, reducing the risk of diseases. (an over crowded life can run us down and put our spiritual and physical health at risk.)

• Pruning can help control the size of the tree:

  Keeping a tree's size manageable results in easier harvesting. (How many of us know that if our fruit is out of reach, it's not of very much use.)

  
  

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" ~Galatians 15:22

Joyce Meyers says "Pruning is vitally important for us to grow in our walk with God...Am I dragging around dead branches in my life? "

Jan Beard, in this week's sermon asked "Do I have dense foliage that is blocking the wind of the Holy Spirit? What's hiding in the shadows that God wants to shine his love on?"

Pruning isn't a punishment. It's a loving act to shape us, grow up and make our lives more fruitful. Without the hand of God, without his spirit at work in us- we won't produce fruit. We won't take the shape he has designed of us. We won't thrive.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ~John 15:4

This week Melinda and I are praying together through this scripture. Lord help us to surrender to your vinedressing. May we abide in you so that we cultivate a character like yours. Grow us in joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Help us rejoice in the pruning, even when it is painful, knowing that you are making us stronger, sweeter, and more productive in your hands. Thank you for caring enough to keep us thriving!~Amen