Spiritual Fruitfulnessنموونە

Fruit multiplies as our branches are pruned. 

The branches of a grapevine are frequently invaded by the growth of things called sucker shoots which, if left unchecked, will siphon off the flow of nutrients and cause the branch to wither. The vinedresser (or gardener) must cut off these sucker shoots, pruning the branch so that it can bear fruit. We find a spiritual parallel in the Scriptures: 

“My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:1-2). 

Many things in our lives can become sucker shoots, things such as sins not confessed, possessions, jobs, unhealthy relationships. The trials and sufferings we experience are often used by the Father—the vinedresser—to carry out the sometimes painful work of pruning our branches. 

A woman who is pregnant is willing to endure the sickness and pain of bearing a child because she can see growth of the child in her expanding belly, realizing the ultimate purpose behind her suffering. In the midst of our suffering, we must also remember that the ultimate goal of the Father’s pruning is to allow us to bear fruit. As the Bible says, 

“Bear fruit…that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you” (John 15:16).

As we come to know God more intimately by abiding in Christ and submitting ourselves to the Father’s work of pruning, we, too, will find our branches blossoming, as we find ourselves bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 2:10).

Are there some “sucker shoots” that have sprouted on your branches, siphoning off the flow of nutrients and causing your branch to wither? 

How have you been experiencing the work of the Divine “vinedresser” as He carries out the sometimes painful work of pruning your branches? 

If you would like to read more, click here to download a copy of "Fruit of the Spirit," an ebook from Dr. Tony Evans centered around living a life in the Spirit.