Title
The Growth Process
Scripture
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)
Devotional
The first thing about our text that we must realize is that these branches are attached to the Vine, which is Christ. Without the Vine, we the branches cannot bear acceptable fruit. I personally believe that there are only two reasons a person is alive: God's mercy and God's will. If we are without Christ, He is merciful, "Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."[1] Secondly is that we are bearing fruit—God has a work for us to accomplish. Take away these two and he takes away the branch. Likewise as attached branches, we will have to be pruned. Pruning is never fun, but nevertheless very much needed. Without it there can be no healthy growth. These are life’s spiritual growing pains. Pruning always precedes growth. Therefore when it comes, and it will come, rejoice for something good is about to bud, blossom and flower in your life.
[1] 2 Peter 3:9