John 15:2-3 (AMPC): "Any 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. You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you]."

The first sign of a heart that's become calloused and hard towards the things of God is an un-teachable, indifferent attitude. When we let it, God's Word will constantly cut, cleanse, and prune away those things that block the flow of His love and power in our lives. It's God's love and power that keep us growing in Him, producing lasting fruit that reflects His nature and goodness in our lives. When we allow disappointment or sin to linger in us, we stop bearing fruit, and the flow of God's grace and power is stumped. In the natural, a branch produces fruit by the nutrients and water being fed to it. Just the same, the key to our lives producing spiritual fruit is by the constant flow of spiritual nourishment we receive from the Word of God, and the life of His Spirit. God's Word keeps us free from contamination and spiritual barrenness. So never despise its pruning work in your life. Let it abide in you, so you can live and be fruitful in the life Christ has called you to.