As we start to wrap up our week on different ways we're to abide in the true vine of God.

Today we'll look at how God prunes us in his love.

Discipline can often be a tricky subject,

but it's my hope that our hearts would remain soft and open today as we remember how good

and loving the God is that we serve. Welcome to the first of teen podcast. Our verse for today comes from John 15, verse 2, where Jesus says, every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away.

And every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes that it may bear more fruit.

The world teaches us that discipline is about shaming us into acting perfectly.

Discipline from the world usually comes from a place of selfishness rather than love, a pursuit of perfection rather than godliness,

and intends to lead us to the appearance of morality,

rather than molding and shaping the heart. For this reason, we so often run away

from the discipline of our Heavenly Father. But Hebrews 12 5 through 6 says, My son, do not regard lightly

the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him,

for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son whom he receives.

God loves us, so He disciplines us. He has such incredible plans for us,

that he must mold and shape us into children ready and equipped for authority, influence, and the power of the spirit.

His discipline is always intended to lead us to abundant life, not to tear us down or shame us. And as we look at God's desire to discipline

us, allow His love to open your heart and lead you into the process of pruning intended solely

to refine, help, and produce fruit in you. John 152 says,

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away.

And every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes that it may bear more fruit.

The only way for us to bear more fruit in God is to allow him to prune us.

The pursuit and cares of the world are like weeds that crowd out and steal nourishment

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