Just as fruit must endure harsh conditions, be pruned, and face struggles to reach its full potential, Christians too must fight for their fruitfulness in a world that rejects God and the truth of the Gospel. Living out our faith in a society that doesn’t love Jesus requires perseverance, bold faith, and the willingness to endure hardship. Spiritual growth and fruitfulness are not automatic; they demand resilience in the face of opposition, and the courage to stand firm in truth, no matter the cost.

In nature, fruit doesn’t simply appear—it goes through a rigorous process. The seed must be planted, the plant must struggle through soil, weather, and pests. Pruning is necessary to remove dead parts so the plant can grow stronger, and even after it blooms, it has to continue enduring tough conditions until it ripens and becomes fruitful. A fruit tree that doesn’t face resistance cannot bear fruit. It must fight through obstacles to fulfill its purpose. This sounds like John 15:2. (“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”)

Just like fruit, Christians must go through struggles to not only grow in our faith but on our Christian walk. The Bible tells us that trials are a necessary part of our spiritual journey. James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Growth in Christ often comes through testing and refining.

Also, Jesus spoke of the pruning process in John 15:2 when He said, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.” No one is denying the fact that pruning is painful. However, it leads to greater fruitfulness. Christians, too, must face difficult seasons of discipline, growth, and correction in order to mature spiritually.

Just as a tree cannot bear fruit without enduring seasons of hardship, we too cannot expect spiritual fruitfulness without fighting through the difficulties of life, whether with people or circumstances. So, ask yourself: Where are you avoiding the struggle, and how might God be using your current battle to shape you into a more fruitful vessel for His glory?