“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2)
There is a great revelation to be seen in this verse, that reveals the true heart of the Father. Many have preached this verse from a root of fear, planting a twisted thought in people that if they are not bearing fruit the Father will cut them off…
This is dangerous for those early in the faith. Beloved fruit takes time to grow! It’s not an overnight process. The Greek word translated as “takes away” or worse yet “cuts off” is airō, and means to raise up, elevate, lift up.
Those with any knowledge of gardening will understand what is being said here. Branches that are new are hidden beneath more mature branches and must be lifted up so they are exposed to the sun, water, and air (elements needed for growth)! I pray you are seeing this!
We must be merciful and gracious to others as they walk with Jesus. Beloved, some people have been in churches most of their lives and never presented with an accurate revelation of who Jesus is. This alone will keep them from entering into the nearness He desires for them, which Jesus says is the only way fruit is produced.
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4)
Once someone gets this revelation and begins to abide in the Lord, then the time for fruit to grow begins. For some this can be years and sadly decades after coming to Jesus.
“‘When you come into the land, and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as uncircumcised. Three years it shall be as uncircumcised to you. It shall not be eaten. But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, a praise to the Lord. And in the fifth year you may eat its fruit, that it may yield to you its increase: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:23-25)