pruning

Good evening everybody,
Jesus was teaching his disciples on the way to the garden the night He was betrayed…
John 15
1I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.
2Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.
3You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you].

I read a small book many years ago about the Vine and the branches. While it was based on the first two of these verses, and was beautifully written, it said that Jesus prunes us by circumstances in our lives, allowing bad things so we will love Him more, or so we will develop in some character of God.
If we read verse 3, we see that it is not circumstances, but the Word, that cleanses and prunes us. Sure we have circumstances, because we live in a world full of sin and curse. John 10:10 clearly says who brings bad stuff and who ‘came… ‘ well, here. See for yourself. Jesus Himself said,
10The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows).
And in James 1 scripture says,
16Do not be misled, my beloved brethren.
17Every good gift and every perfect ([d]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light

So we see that Jesus and the Father give us every thing that is good, and the thief, that pinhead devil, comes to steal, kill and destroy. Friends, that is not pruning, it’s the start of a FIGHT!!!
And bless God, the same Word that cleanses and prunes us also equips us for battle. And praise Jesus, WE WIN!! 2 Corinthians 2:14 –always triumph in Christ!! ALWAYS, HALLELUJAH!!
I love you all,

healed by His stripes,
Nancy Bass