https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&version=NRSVCE
As you read the words of John 15 today, let them wash over you, see what settles upon your heart. Then, stop and focus on those. Read them over and over, capture what God is saying to you.
“Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.” John 15:2
These words of our Lord jump out right at the beginning of the chapter.
The Father prunes those whom He loves and who love Him by bearing fruit. Pruning can hurt, sometimes a lot. But, it is necessary to grow, become full with more life and bear fruit.
Going through my ‘dark night’ was challenging and even had me questioning God’s love and presence. That was during the pruning. It was after that season began to pass that I started to see the benefit of that pruning season. The fruit which bore from this season has grown to trust in God and deeper knowledge and love of Divine Mercy.
When the soul is rooted deeply in the Lord, it will bear good fruit. As the Father prunes this well rooted soul, its fruit will become sweeter and more abundant.
Can pruning be uncomfortable? No doubt. But, one thing I learned in my ‘pruning’ is that for the pruner to do the pruning, He must have His hands upon the vine. That means simply that when the Father is pruning your soul and life, His hands are gently holding you. Though it may hurt as He cuts, He is tenderly holding you.
What caught your heart?