“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 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 15:1-2 (NKJV)

Loving with action is not always easy. Love does not constantly take the form of puppy dog tails, sugar and spice, and everything nice. Love can also be seen as a plate of liver or vegetables. It is a healthy dose of vitamins and not always easy to swallow or digest. It is good for us, but not always pleasant to accept. 

God loves us so much; He prunes us with His own hands. He cuts off the areas in our life where sin hinders our walk with Him. I believe Max Lucado put it very well when he said: “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.” 

Your pruning will bring conviction, but not condemnation and shame.  If you feel condemnation it is from the enemy and you need to cast it off to God. Heed God’s instruction and know He loves you, even while sin clings to you. Maybe you will hear a sermon, or a friend will point out something.  Don’t shoot the messenger!!  Merely pray and ask God to give you wisdom and the courage to face the areas in your life that need correcting.  

We are all diamonds in the rough. Yes, only pressure will turn a lump of coal into a diamond.  Do you want to remain a lump of coal, or are you willing to accept some spiritual pressure to become a gem in the sight of God?