Over the last few weeks, we have been looking at our spiritual seasons. Today, we will look at the season of pruning, which may be the most misunderstood season of them all.
The definition of pruning is “to trim by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth.” Interesting that pruning increases growth since last week we discovered the painful, yet necessary growing season.
What does scripture say about pruning?
You may be familiar with the passage in John 15:1-8 that talks about pruning. But for a fresher understanding, let’s look at it from The Message.
1-3 “I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.
4 “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
5-8 “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.”
I love this translation as God our Farmer. Especially since next week, we will be studying the harvest season. God puts it in all in order, from the growing, to the pruning and on into the abundant harvest. He has a plan and a purpose for our lives. We just need to choose to participate in it.
Sometime back, I heard a pastor preach on this passage in John. Except on this particular day, for whatever reason, I heard it differently, clearer, as if my ears had been opened to it for the first time.
In the past, I always interpreted this passage as God cutting away or removing the things in our lives that were no good. At closer look at the actual words, God cuts back those areas in your lives that our flourishing.
Why would God cut back the fruitful parts of our lives?
Any good farmer or gardener knows cutting back the good makes it even better. It seems counterintuitive but it is, in fact, effective. My study note reads, “Pruning produces fruitfulness. In the new testament, the figure of good fruit represent the product of a godly life or virtues of character. The believer has no fruitfulness apart from union and fellowship with Christ.”
Our fellowship with Christ is our growing season. As we grow, we become fruit-bearers. Our fruit is visible in our lives. When Jesus talks about ‘remaining in me,” my note says, “A branch out of contact with the vine is lifeless. A living union with Christ is absolutely necessary; without it there is nothing.”
As we grow in Christ, we will begin to bear fruit. Just know, God, our Wise Farmer, will prune that fruit to make it and you even better.
What fruitful area of your life may God be trying to cut back? Take time to ponder this question, journal your thoughts and allow God to reveal His plan to you.
God intends for us to have a deep meaningful relationship which produces fruitfulness. Our fruit is a reflection of that relationship. Growth is necessary, but so is pruning. What comes after the season of growth and the season of pruning? The Harvest Season.
Let us pray;
Oh Wise and Mysterious Farmer, thank you that in our growth, which is our time spent with You, we organically begin to bear fruit. Thank you that as we bloom, You prune us, making us even more fruitful. Thank you for your abundant harvest and thank you that every good and gracious gift comes from Your Hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen. -M
P.S. Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think of these spiritual seasons. Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe to my website. Post on Facebook and tag me in it. And until next time, what is God pruning in you? -M
2 thoughts on “The Season of Pruning”
Without Jesus, we are nothing. Very good! Love you
Thanks Mama. hope you have a great day! love you!