“I am the true vine, and 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, that it may bear more fruit.”
— John 15:1–2
Jesus makes it clear: He is our connection to God. Without Him, there is no growth, no life, and no fruit. God the Father is our provider, the one who oversees our growth and transformation. This passage is not meant to drive fear, but awareness. It calls us to examine our faith honestly and take responsibility for our spiritual growth.
Jesus explains that everyone who believes in Him but does not bear fruit is taken away. This reminds us that belief alone is not the end goal. Faith must produce evidence. A living faith grows. A connected faith changes. A faith rooted in Christ will naturally show fruit over time.
At the same time, Jesus tells us that everyone who does bear fruit will be pruned. Growth does not mean we are finished. In fact, growth invites more transformation. God continues to work on those who are growing so they can grow even more.
Pruning is not rejection, but refinement. It is God shaping us so we can become stronger, healthier, and more fruitful.
Galatians 5:22–23
We have a clear picture of what fruit looks like in the life of a believer. The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not optional add-ons to faith. They are signs that we are truly connected to Jesus. If these fruits are absent, it is an invitation to reflect and reconnect.
Under the law of grace, Jesus simplifies what matters most.
Matthew 22:37–40
He reminds us of the two commandments we live by: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Everything flows from these two commands. When we love God fully, our lives begin to reflect Him. When we love others well, our faith becomes visible.
This devotional is a call to self-examination. Check yourself. Ask God to reveal areas where you are not growing, where you may be disconnected, or where fruit is lacking. This is not about shame or guilt—it is about honesty. God already sees everything. He invites us to see it too.
Once God reveals those areas, ask Him for help. Growth is not something we achieve on our own. Staying connected to Jesus requires dependence, prayer, and humility. We need God’s help to grow apart from habits, mindsets, or behaviors that limit our spiritual fruit. We also need His help to remain connected when growth feels uncomfortable.
Transformation is ongoing. Growth is ongoing. Faith is active. When we stay connected to Jesus, God continues to shape us so we can grow in faith and strength. The goal is not perfection, but fruitfulness. The goal is not performance, but connection.
So take time to pray. Ask God to show you where growth is needed. Ask Him to help you stay connected. Ask Him to prune what no longer serves your faith. When we remain in Him, growth will come.
Amen? Amen.
Praise God.
Leave a comment