How many times must I prune?

"He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit."

John 15. 1 - 8

Dead, dying, diseased or broken branches must be pruned. Horticulturalists say that sometimes multiple prunings are necessary as depicted in this drawing.

They also say that the pruning device must be sharp and clean.

Some pruning devices are sharper than others, therefore some prunings hurt more than others.

Where have you been pruned or where do you need to be pruned?

This morning I imagine Jesus saying, "How many times must I prune your branches before you bear good fruit?"

and I say, "very often, Lord, very often."