January 12: Pruning, Painful but Necessary
We must be constantly aware of the need to let go of everything that would keep us from God. Thomas Merton
Gregg’s Reflection
The spiritual life has seasons—times of flourishing and times when God prunes us back so that new growth can come. My first serious season of pruning came in 1999, when I sensed God calling me out of the business world into a new chapter.
I had known for years that I was being prepared for something different, but when the moment came, it still required letting go of security, familiarity, and identity.
We sold the business, and I declined an offer to join a consulting firm as a partner, choosing instead to follow the energy and see where God would lead. That choice opened the door to two decades of consulting, coaching, and mentoring leaders for the Kingdom, all while splitting life between Atlanta and our off-grid home in Colorado.
In 2018, I entered another pruning season. I stepped away from retreats I had led for years, retired from my staff role at City Church, and eventually left our life in Atlanta altogether. I didn’t know exactly what would come next, but I trusted that God was making space for greater fruitfulness.
Now, at the close of twenty-five years in this second career, I see that every major pruning has led to more fruit. It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it.
Scripture
Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.
John 15:2
Ancient Quotes
The branches that are fruitful are pruned, not to their loss but to their profit, that they may bear more fruit. The Father cuts away whatever is superfluous, so that what remains may be pure and more productive.
Origen, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Book VI, §2
The Word of God cuts away all that is contrary to nature, so that the soul may again bear the fruits of the Spirit. Whatever is pruned by suffering is healed by love.
Maximus the Confessor, Centuries on Love, 1.77
Modern Quotes
The best thing I can give to others is to liberate myself from the common delusions and be, for myself and for others, free. Then grace can work in and through me for everyone.
Thomas Merton, A Year with Thomas Merton, p. 176
We must be constantly aware of the need to let go of everything that would keep us from God. There are times of growth and times of purification, times of joy and times of pruning.
Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude, Ch. II, § 16
Journaling Prompts
- What has God pruned from your life in the past, and what fruit came from it?
- Where might God be leading you into a season of pruning to bring about a season of fruitfulness?
- How can you trust His hand even in the painful seasons?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 2 reflection: Bearing Fruit/Gifts of the Spirit