How do we bear fruit?

John 15:2, 4...and everything that bears fruit, He prunes to bring more fruit- as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abides in the vine; no more can ye, lest ye abide in me.

Pruning is a cutting away to bring forth new life. It is done for different reasons:

1. For new growth.

2. To prevent one branch from connecting to another, thereby avoiding the growth of fungus and death.

3. This ensures that every fruit gets sunlight and water.

How does this affect us in our Spiritual walk daily?

For new growth- He will move things out of your life now to prepare you for the future. God will allow you to decrease now so you can grow more later. He knows what it takes for you to get to where He is taking you. As we all can agree, God holds the future and He sees what we cannot yet understand. God, in His love will allow others to walk out to that you can grow.

Prevent the branches from connecting to one another- The branch itself does not possess life; rather, life comes from the Vine. Another branch lacks the life that ONLY the "Vine" provides. When we elevate people to the status of gods, we end up disappointed because we place them on a pedestal. We turn people into idols and idolize the gifts they posses, which are meant to reveal things to us from Him. This is another reason why He must prune us so we won't connect with something that would cause a fungus, sickness or even death.

Ensures every fruit gets sunlight and water- When you possess many gifts, you might be overshadowing your brothers and sisters, believing you are superior to them. God will cut you back so that He can make room for others. You may lead a life of holiness—abstaining from smoking or drinking, but lack compassion. Your gift can become inflated with pride. God does not focus on your gift, but on your character. You must allow others the opportunity to grow. Often, we concentrate on ourselves, and sometimes our attitudes prevent others from joining a group or participating in other church activities. God will humble us and prune us to ensure that everyone of His children gets the proper amount of sunlight and water to grow.

Join us next time to see "How when a Gardener Stake Plant" - meaning How God will Stabilize You in order to strengthen your growth.