I recently bought new plants for my yard. I am enjoying the beautiful greenery and the color of the blooms. But I am told that these plants need care–special care if they are to continue to give beauty. I need to water and weed, and maybe even, transplant to another location. I am to pinch off the dead blooms and allow for the blossoming of new blooms.
In the metaphor found in John 15:1-9, Jesus tells us that He is the TRUE VINE and God is the gardener. We are the branches. Jesus is telling His disciples and us that we have to be pruned—this means that the “stuff” that separates us from Him needs to be removed so we can bear the fruit that others can see in our lives.
The branch that is separated from the vine cannot grow and live, and produce fruit. “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me……” John 15:5.
If you give Him your devotion, then The Gardener through the True Vine will nurture you and help you grow.
“For when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything; strong in character, full and complete..” James 1: 3-4. Living Bible
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane