Flourishing Fruitfulness

Stepping into the clearing, I could see the lone pear tree. It was tall, too tall, I was thinking. Most fruit trees in orchards are short, rather stubby affairs, with low branches for easy picking.

I observed the ancient tree more closely. It was densely packed with small branches and abundant foliage, with not a pear in sight. Lacking a caring farmer/gardener to do the consistent work of pruning, the tree had gone its own way, producing a lush crop of leaves.

Jesus assures His disciples that we are to bear fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. But He explains that fruitfulness will come only through the careful pruning of our Father, the Gardener (John 15:1-3).

Left to ourselves, we would be like that tree, full of green leaves rather than golden pears. But God, in love, prunes our branches with setbacks, sickness, and sorrow which, though painful, are productive.

This discipline, unpleasant as it is, transforms a life from selfishness to selflessness, and allows us to fulfill the purpose for which we were created. You’ll thank Him later.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace
for those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11


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