14. More Fruit—

John 15:2 (NRSV) — 2b … Every branch that bears fruit he prunes 

to make it bear more fruit.

This word comes with Divine Authority to search and test our life. The true disciple will heartily surrender himself to its Holy Light, and will earnestly ask that God Himself reveals what may be lacking in the measure or the character of the fruit he or she bears. Let us believe that the Word is meant to lead us on to a fuller experience of the Father's Purpose of Love, of Christ's Fullness, and of the wonderful privilege of bearing much fruit in the salvation of men.

The words more fruit are encouraging ones. Let us listen to it. It is just to the branch that is bearing fruit that the message comes: more fruit. God does not demand this as Pharaoh the task-master, or as Moses the lawgiver, without providing the means. He comes as a Father, Who gives what He asks, and works what He commands. He comes to us—the living branches of the living Vine—and offers to work the more fruit in us when we simply yield ourselves into His Hands.

That it may bear more fruit—let us believe that just as the owner of a vine does everything to make the fruitage as rich and large as possible, the Divine Vine-grower will do all that is needed to make us bear more fruit. All He asks is that we set our heart's desire on it, entrust ourselves to His Working and Care, and joyfully look to Him to do His Perfect Work in us.

God has set His Heart on more fruit—Christ waits to work it in us. Let us joyfully look up to our Divine Vine-grower and our heavenly Vine to ensure that we are bearing more fruit according to His Will and Purpose.