Words of Hope provides people both near and far with daily access to God's Word.

Read: John 15:1-8 Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (v. 2) It’s hard for me to cut away a perfectly fine, green and growing branch from a plant or bush. But sometimes, I realize that it’s the best thing I can do for the health of the plant. It requires faith for gardeners to wield the pruning shears and to believe that removing a section will encourage further branching out, allowing for more growth that will produce better flowers or fruit. During Jesus’s life, he probably observed this process himself, noting that even green, flourishing vines must endure the temporary pain of cutting and removal to make room for growth. Disciples who are connected to Jesus, even obedient, loving followers, will have to submit to loss, sorrow, or disruption.