However many times I read from the Bible I’m amazed at the new things I find. I’m either a sloppy reader in the first place or God illuminates passages to me when I’m ready or needing to hear them. John 15 is one example. I read this morning ‘He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit. I had read that God would cut off branches in my life that were not fruitful and that was that. I now realise God does two different things, He cuts and He prunes, two different actions.
The branches in me that are rotten and deseased need to be cutout completely. Other branches can be saved by careful and loving pruning. If I have the branch of a spiteful tongue He will cut it out completely but replace with a loving, kind tongue which speaks His words of love and consideration. Should I suffer from laziness, that will have to go, but other branches He will be able to prune and shape. If I am mean with my money, He can prune to make me more generous. He can be severe or gentle just as I need it.
When I go round my small garden I snip, cut and re-shape as necessary. I don’t pull and burn any plant that is struggling. I need to show love in my garden. My e my garden my life can be beautiful through Christ.