Prune
In this powerful exploration of John 15, we're challenged to embrace the difficult process of spiritual pruning. Just as a gardener prunes branches for greater fruit, God prunes us for spiritual growth. The key message is that remaining connected to Christ, our true vine, is essential even when His teachings seem hard or offensive. We're reminded of the crowd in John 6 who left Jesus when His words became challenging. Yet, like Peter, we're called to recognize that Christ alone has the words of eternal life. This pruning process isn't punishment, but preparation for greater fruitfulness. It's an invitation to trust God even when His ways seem uncomfortable or counterintuitive. As we navigate our faith journey, we're encouraged to stay connected to Christ, allowing His life-giving words to nourish us, even in seasons of difficulty. This message resonates deeply with our daily struggles and reminds us that growth often comes through challenges.