Why You Really Need to Embrace the Pruning Process
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Growing up in NYC, aka the concrete jungle, one thing that was missing from my neighborhood were gardens. You might find a small one here or there, but those were few and far between. Living the city life for so long made me familiar with subways and sidewalks, but not too familiar with gardens. Since I have a brown thumb and not a green one, I had to do some research about gardening to write this article. One thing I learned about gardens is if you see one that is beautiful and well maintained, that result happens because of the gardener. You cannot have a splendid garden without a talented gardener because gardens don’t happen by accident, but by intention. The gardener is the expert, and they know how to design and position the plants in the garden so they will thrive. They ensure the plants are healthy and keep the landscaping in and around the garden well-maintained. By doing these things, they keep these areas looking lush, beautiful, and pleasing to the eyes of those who look at them.
Since pruning often involves cutting, it can be painful. God is removing things that we sometimes fight to hold on to. When you do this, you make the process more painful, but thankfully, God doesn’t stop because it hurts. He continues because he knows the things he is pruning in your life are more damaging to you than the pruning act itself.
2. Pruning Is a Necessary Act
The beautiful part about pruning is that it is necessary. I know you might think how is cutting beautiful when it can hurt? Well, if you are fruitful, God wants to make you more fruitful. This should be a reason to rejoice. But, to get to the more fruit as I mentioned, it may hurt a little. However, as the expression goes, no pain, no gain. The beautiful part is God is not trying to hurt you, but help you. It is like when you go for surgery. The doctor may cut you open to fix something. There may be some lingering pain for a while, but in the long run, you are better off.
3. Pruning Is a Sanctifying Act
Right after saying the Father is the gardener, Jesus said these words you just read. The good news about pruning is this is a sanctifying act, not a saving act. You are already a Christian and God simply wants to get the best out of you.
4. Pruning Is a Loving Act
Perhaps the best part about pruning is it shows how much God loves and cares for you. We can liken pruning to discipline and God only does that for those he loves.
If God is bringing you through the pruning process, it is only further evidence of his tender love for you.
As you think about yourself, what are some things God is trying to cut away in your life? Are you facing a season of challenges, difficulties, storms, or circumstances that may be hard to explain? It could be the gardener at work. If you are fruitful, God is going to prune to make you more fruitful. Don’t run from this pruning process, embrace it. When you do, you will come out of it healthier, more fruitful, and more attractive. Best of all, you will know God is molding you more into the image of Christ and there is no better outcome than that.
More from this author
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Did Jesus Contradict Himself When He Said the Father Is Greater Than I?
Have We Forgotten What It Means to Be a Servant?
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