Spiritual Sketches: spiritual pruning for the garden
Spiritual Pruning: How God Shapes Us to Bear More Fruit
When I first started gardening, I quickly learned the importance of pruning, especially when it came to tomato plants and other vines. Let me tell you something about tomato plants: as they grow, you’ll notice that certain branches, called “sucker branches,” begin to develop at a 45-degree angle between the main stem and a branch. They are called sucker branches because they do exactly what their name suggests—they suck away the plant’s energy. Instead of allowing that energy to be used for producing fruit, these branches drain the plant of its potential.
So about once a week, I go out to the garden and look for any sucker branches to remove. The goal is to ensure that my tomato plants produce as much fruit as possible.
The Purpose of Pruning
The practice of pruning is about improving a plant’s appearance, health, and overall growth. It isn’t about harming the plant, but rather about making it healthier and more productive. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives.
In John 15:2, Jesus says, “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” In this passage, we are told that we are like a vine, and we are called to stay connected to Christ. For those who abide in Him, He will prune us—cutting away what is unfruitful so that we can bear more fruit.
What Is Spiritual Pruning?
If we want to understand spiritual pruning more deeply, we can look at Hebrews 12, which gives us insight into how God disciplines His children. We are encouraged in verse 1 to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The idea here is that there are things in our lives—whether sin or distractions—that are not fruitful. These are the “sucker branches” that need to be pruned away.
In Hebrews 12:7, the writer explains, “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” Just as a loving father disciplines his child, God prunes and disciplines us whenever we continue in sin. This pruning is not to harm us but to help us bear more fruit.
The Pain and Purpose of Pruning
Spiritual pruning, much like the physical act of pruning a plant, is always for our good, but it rarely feels good in the moment. In Hebrews 12:11, we are reminded, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” God’s pruning comes from a heart of love, often because we are not loving Him or others the way we should.’
Just like sucker branches drain the energy from a plant, sin and distractions in our lives can drain our spiritual energy. These “sucker branches” take our focus off of God, dishonor Him, and ultimately prevent us from living the abundant life He desires for us. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). But when sin takes root, it hinders us from experiencing that abundant life.
This is why God lovingly prunes us—He wants to remove what is holding us back, so we can grow stronger and bear much more fruit.
Pruning Is for Our Growth
Just as a gardener carefully tends to the health of a plant by removing what hinders its growth, God tends to our souls by cutting away the parts of our lives that are not bearing fruit. Sometimes, this pruning process feels uncomfortable. It may involve letting go of habits, relationships, or attitudes that we’ve held onto for too long.
In Matthew 3:10, John the Baptist warns, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” This passage emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in the Christian life. God isn’t interested in empty religious practices or hollow obedience. He desires a fruitful life that reflects His character and love.
What Needs Pruning in Your Life?
Now that we understand the necessity of pruning in both the garden and our spiritual lives, the question is: Where in your life have you allowed sucker branches to grow?
Take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you may be holding onto things that are draining your spiritual energy. These could be sinful habits, distractions, or even relationships that are pulling you away from God. Hebrews 12:1 calls us to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,” so that we can run the race of faith with endurance.
Where might God be disciplining you right now? Where is He calling you to prune something out of your life for your good and His glory?
Endurance in the Pruning Process
Pruning is not a one-time event. Just as I regularly check my tomato plants for sucker branches, we must regularly examine our own lives for areas that need spiritual pruning. 2 Corinthians 13:5 encourages us, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”
The Christian life is one of constant growth and refinement. As we grow in Christ, God will continue to prune us so that we become more like Him, producing the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Fruit of Righteousness
God’s pruning produces the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” in our lives. It makes us more Christlike, more compassionate, more patient, and more effective in the mission He has given us. John 15:8 tells us, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” When we allow God to prune us, we not only experience growth and transformation, but we also glorify Him through our fruitful lives.
Conclusion: Embrace the Pruning
Friend, pruning is not easy, but it is necessary for your spiritual growth. God prunes because He loves us, and He desires us to be fruitful in every area of life. As you walk through this season, ask the Lord to show you where you need pruning and be willing to let go of the sucker branches that are holding you back.
Embrace the pruning process, knowing that God is working for your good. Romans 8:28 assures us, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Where is God pruning you today? Trust in His loving hands and watch as He produces in you a harvest of righteousness and fruitfulness.
