“Pruned for Purpose”
“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” — John 15:2 (NKJV)
Have you ever watched a gardener work? It might look harsh at first—cutting away branches, trimming back leaves, removing what seems like healthy parts of a plant. But a good gardener knows: in order for something to grow stronger and bear more fruit, it has to be pruned.
Jesus tells us in John 15:2 that we are like branches connected to Him, the True Vine. If we’re not bearing fruit, He removes what’s dead. But even when we are bearing fruit, He still prunes us—cleansing and refining us—not because He’s punishing us, but because He sees more in us than we see in ourselves.
This process is not always a pleasant experience, and it is instinctive to want to avoid these seasons, but they are necessary for us to grow and become the people God wants us to be.
To "bear fruit" means to live in a way that shows the result of our relationship with God. It’s our actions, words, and impact—how our lives reflect His love, power, and truth. However, sometimes distractions, habits, people, or mindsets can hinder that growth. That's where pruning comes in.
Pruning can feel like a loss. Like God is cutting something away from us, but He’s actually removing what’s holding us back. He’s making room for more.
More fruit.
More joy.
More peace.
More purpose.
More of Him.
Paul understood this in Romans 1:13. Before ministering to others, he ensured his heart and posture were right before God. That’s part of bearing fruit—surrendering to the process, even when it’s uncomfortable. That is a part of our spiritual walk we try to avoid, but people will not want to listen or pay attention to what the Lord has called you to deliver if they cannot see it in action in your life. Just reflect on a time when you were struggling in your walk—did you want to hear the warning or correction from someone who wasn’t walking what they were talking about? Their words and actions didn’t match. I’ll answer for you: NO. That means welcome the process, because this is bigger than you. Our actions and words have eternal consequences.
Reflection:
What is God trying to prune in your life right now?
Are you holding on to anything that’s stunting your growth in Him?
Do you trust Him enough to let Him cut it away?
Put it into Practice:
Ask God today, “Lord, what in me needs to be pruned so that I can become who You created me to be?” Listen. Reflect. And begin letting go of whatever He reveals.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for seeing the best version of me even when I can’t. Help me not to resist Your hand when You prune me. Teach me to trust that even in the cutting, you are cultivating something greater. Mold me into Your image and let my life bear much fruit for Your glory. Amen.
