Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. (John 15:2b-3 ESV)
Jesus makes a leap from talking about being pruned to being clean. In the Greek the word conveys both meanings. It is a cutting off what is corrupt but with the purpose that what remains might be pure.
No pruning comes without pain, but it is important that we understand that the pain is not the purpose, it is the purity. The natural response to pain is to recoil, but Jesus time and again in this passage tells us that we must remain.
We need to trust that the vinedresser is only cutting off that which we are better off without, and that the result will be a greater expression of his divine life and fruitfulness.
[Originally posted on Facebook 29/01/18]
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