Sometimes Less Is More

Feb 12, 2016 1548

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. … I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing. … As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love (John 15:1,2,5,9).

These verses are word pictures that were very meaningful to Jesus’ listeners. Jesus calls himself the true vine, His Father the gardener and his followers the branches. I love gardening and since I have learned a little of the art of pruning, it is especially gratifying for me to note how “less is more.” When I cut back my roses, growth rebounds with new buds, that are then followed by beautiful roses.

Pruning in our lives is just like in my garden – a constant process.

As Christians we need to continually “practice our profession.” However, all words and no deeds,
all leaves and no fruit, will require The Gardener to commence pruning because He loves us.
Verse 9 talks of Jesus love. How the Father loves His Son and how His Son loves us. (John 3:16) He asks us to remain in His love and be connected to the true vine. This always brings about a beautiful result. We will blossom and grow strong, just as my rose bushes do.

He has chosen us as His ambassadors (branches) to go out and bear fruit, to reap the harvest and rejoice bringing in the sheaves as we sang about in that old hymn “Bringing in the Sheaves”.
In the gospel of John there are other verses that speak to us of God’s love. Plant these words in your heart they will encourage you to remain in the vine. John 13:34, 35, John 14:15, 17, and John 21:15.

– Judy Lyew

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